Under Rule 701, lay opinions are based on what?

• A. The witness's perception.
• B. Scientific data.
• C. Legal conclusions.
• D. Hearsay statements.

Answer: (A)

Rule 701 allows lay witnesses to offer opinions only if they are rationally based on the witness’s own perception and helpful to the jury in understanding the facts. This means the opinion must come from what the witness actually observed or experienced, such as how fast a car was going or whether someone appeared intoxicated, rather than from specialized knowledge or legal rules. Scientific data and expert analysis belong to those with specialized training, not to a typical witness. Legal conclusions are decisions about the law or its application, which juries are supposed to decide, not the witness’s job. Hearsay concerns arise when the opinion rests on statements heard from others; a lay opinion should rest on the witness’s own perception, not secondhand statements. Therefore, lay opinions are based on the witness’s perception.