Which statement about ultimate issue testimony is accurate?

Which statement about ultimate issue testimony is accurate?

• A. An expert may not provide any opinion on ultimate issues.
• B. An expert may provide only factual testimony about the ultimate issue.
• C. An expert may provide opinions on ultimate issues if otherwise admissible, with reasons.
• D. An expert may provide only lay opinions.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that experts may give opinions on ultimate issues, as long as the opinion itself is otherwise admissible and the expert explains the basis for the opinion. This aligns with the rule that a witness, including an expert, may testify to opinions that embrace the ultimate issue, provided the testimony meets standard admissibility and the reasoning is disclosed. That’s why this statement fits best: it allows the expert to address the final question the jury must decide, but only if the opinion is supported by admissible evidence and methodology. The other options overstate restrictions or miscast what lay witnesses can do, which isn’t consistent with the rule.

The main idea is that experts may give opinions on ultimate issues, as long as the opinion itself is otherwise admissible and the expert explains the basis for the opinion. This aligns with the rule that a witness, including an expert, may testify to opinions that embrace the ultimate issue, provided the testimony meets standard admissibility and the reasoning is disclosed. That’s why this statement fits best: it allows the expert to address the final question the jury must decide, but only if the opinion is supported by admissible evidence and methodology. The other options overstate restrictions or miscast what lay witnesses can do, which isn’t consistent with the rule.