Rule 702

Term: Rule 702Definition: A Federal Rule of Evidence that governs the admissibility of expert testimony in federal courts, requiring that the testimony be based on sufficient facts or data, be the product of reliable principles and methods, and that the expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts of the case.Phonetic Pronunciation: (rool sev-un-tee-too)Origin: Rule 702 is part of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which were adopted by the United States Congress in 1975. The rule itself is derived from common law principles regarding the admissibility of expert testimony, which have evolved over time to ensure the reliability and relevance of such evidence in court proceedings.Significance in Asbestos Context: In asbestos litigation, Rule 702 is crucial because it sets the standard for the admissibility of expert testimony on issues such as causation, exposure, and damages. Asbestos cases often rely heavily on expert witnesses to establish the link between asbestos exposure and the plaintiff's illness, making the application of Rule 702 pivotal to the success of these cases.Example Sentence: In the asbestos litigation, the defense moved to exclude the plaintiff's expert testimony under Rule 702, arguing that the expert's methodology was not reliable.Related Terms: Daubert Standard, Frye Standard, Expert Witness, Admissibility, CausationNotes: - Rule 702 applies to both civil and criminal cases in federal courts. - State courts may have their own rules similar to Rule 702. - The application of Rule 702 can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific facts of the case.