What is the significance of 'ultimate issue' opinions by experts under Rule 702?

• A. Experts may not testify about ultimate issues at all.
• B. Experts may testify to ultimate issues only if judge approves.
• C. Experts may testify about ultimate issues regardless of admissibility.
• D. Experts may testify about ultimate issues if testimony is otherwise admissible and helpful to the jury.

Answer: (D)

Under Rule 702, expert testimony on ultimate issues is allowed, but only if the testimony is admissible and helpful to the jury. This means the expert’s opinion must rest on reliable methods and facts, be relevant to the case, and assist the jurors in understanding the evidence, rather than simply telling them how to decide the case. An ultimate issue is the central question the jury must resolve (for example, whether a defendant acted with the required intent), and an expert may address that issue directly as long as the opinion is grounded in specialized knowledge and the facts support it. However, the testimony cannot be a naked legal conclusion or usurp the jury’s role in deciding the law; the judge also may exclude it under Rule 403 if it’s unfairly prejudicial or confusing. So, the significant point is that ultimate-issue opinions are permitted when they meet the usual admissibility standards and are helpful to the jury.