Are "Factual Witness" and "Expert Witness" the Same?

 

During a trial, factual witness are nearly always called to take the stand. Expert witnesses, on the other hand, may not be very visible, depending on the type of trial. The question is, what are the essential differences between the two? What is their influence on a case, particularly on the verdict? And how different are their roles?

 

Factual Witness

 

A factual witness is a person who knows facts concerning the case. For example, this can be someone who has personally witnessed a homicide. He knows and witnessed things that no one else knows or has witnessed, except other factual witnesses for the same case. A factual Police Procedures Expert Witness will give this information to those who are in the courtroom so it can be accepted as evidence.

 

Before that, he will take an oath to tell nothing but the whole truth about the crime he witnessed. Then the lawyer of the prosecution will spot any discrepancies or irregularities, if any, in the given statement. If there are problems indeed, that can mean two things - the witness is lying or he simply needs some help in clarifying his point. Once the loopholes have been filled, the jury will now have solid information that will help them arrive at a sound decision on the case.  To learn more details about expert witnesses, you can visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janet-tavakoli/expert-witness-litigation_b_6413070.html.

 

Expert Witness

 

An expert witness is a totally different kind of witness. He is an expert in certain area of expertise, such as psychiatry, computer science, etc. There is practically no limit in terms of the types of expert witnesses who may be asked to take the stand. If a pet is deemed to have a crucial role in a case, a veterinarian may be called to testify.

 

Expert witnesses are normally needed in trials in which the crimes are committed against human beings. Sometimes, a coroner will be called to the stand to testify on an autopsy. He will discuss what made him conclude a particular cause of death. An expert witness may also be tasked to give an expert opinion on whether or not a supposed truth could indeed be the truth, such as a murder victim having died a week before the corpse was found. Dentists and forensic scientists may also be called to provide input on crime scene evidence.

 

The Importance of Both Witnesses

 

In any case, both factual and expert witnesses are important to a case. All evidence and eyewitnesses, possibilities and impossibilities and expert opinions should be well-laid out for the jury. This is important in ensuring that only the truly guilty will be sent to prison and the innocent be set free. Judgment can be compromised so easily when evidence is insufficient. Click here if you want to read more about Use of Force Expert Witness.