When can a lay witness provide an opinion?

A lay witness can provide an opinion based on their physical senses because the law allows them to share their observations and perceptions as long as these do not require specialized knowledge or expertise. For instance, if a lay witness observed an event, they can express their impression of what they saw, such as describing the color of a car involved in an accident or how fast it was going. These observations are drawn from the witness's direct experiences and perceptions, making them admissible without the need for expert qualifications.

In contrast, the other options are not accurate for the nature of a lay witness's testimony. Opinions provided in a trial are not restricted to that setting; they can be given in various contexts, as long as the context is appropriate. Having expert credentials pertains to expert witnesses, who can testify based on specialized knowledge or training. Lastly, while valuation may involve opinions, it does not apply universally to all situations, and often requires an expert's opinion based on expertise in the field of valuation. Thus, the key criterion for a lay witness’s opinion testimony is its foundation in personal, sensory experience.