What is required for admitting expert opinion evidence according to EAC 79?

For the admission of expert opinion evidence according to EAC 79, the requirement is that the opinion must be based on a field of specialized knowledge. This means that the expert providing the opinion should have demonstrable expertise and qualifications in a specific area relevant to the case at hand. The reliability and relevance of the expert's testimony hinge on their specialized training, experience, or education in that particular field.

This is crucial because it ensures that the evidence presented is credible and can assist the court in understanding complex issues beyond the general knowledge of a layperson. Courts evaluate the expert's qualifications, the methodology used in forming their opinion, and whether the opinion is accepted within the relevant field of study. By requiring a foundation in specialized knowledge, EAC 79 seeks to maintain the integrity and reliability of expert evidence in legal proceedings.