Certified Fraud Examiner Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

Lay testimony refers to the evidence provided by a witness who is not an expert in a specific field but has firsthand knowledge or experience related to the matter being addressed in court. This type of testimony is based on the witness's observations, perceptions, and experiences rather than specialized knowledge or training.

In legal contexts, lay witnesses typically recount events or facts they have personally witnessed or experienced, offering insights that help establish the facts of a case. This is distinct from expert testimony, which is provided by individuals with specialized knowledge or qualifications that allow them to offer opinions and analysis on matters beyond the common understanding of laypersons. Documentary evidence and character witness statements serve different purposes and do not fall under the category of direct personal observation typically associated with lay testimony. As such, firsthand experience testimony accurately captures the essence of what lay testimony is, emphasizing its basis in personal knowledge rather than expert analysis or documentation.