To testify as an expert, which two requirements must be satisfied?

• A. The witness may testify as an expert if they are qualified by specialized knowledge, skill, experience, training or education regarding the subject matter, and the testimony is based on reliable information.
• B. The witness may testify as an expert only if the witness is qualified by specialized knowledge, and the testimony is based on reliable information.
• C. The witness may testify as an expert if they have practical experience, even without formal qualifications, and regardless of information reliability.
• D. The witness may testify as an expert if they have broad opinions but without any specific basis.

Answer: (B)

Expert testimony rests on two essential conditions: the witness must be qualified by specialized knowledge in the area at issue, and the opinion must be based on reliable information. Qualification shows the person has the appropriate expertise—through knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education. Reliability means the information backing the opinion comes from valid data or facts and the methods used to analyze them are sound and properly applied to the case. When both elements are met, the testimony is admissible. The other options fail because one allows experience without ensuring reliable backing, another permits broad or unfounded opinions without a factual basis, and another adds qualifiers that aren’t the controlling test.