A witness who qualifies as an expert because of knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify as an expert if scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the judge, jury, or other factfinder to understand the evidence or determine a contested fact issue.

But there is no rigid formula for determining whether a particular witness is qualified to testify as an expert. Generally there must be a fit between the subject matter at issue and the expert witness’s familiarity with the subject matter. And this determination is made by the judge, who acts as a gatekeeper to only allow reliable expert witness testimony to be heard and considered by the judge or jury—and to exclude such testimony when it is not reliable.

In Nebraska, expert witnesses are individuals who, due to their knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may provide testimony in court on matters that require scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge. The purpose of their testimony is to help the judge, jury, or other fact-finder understand the evidence or resolve a contested issue of fact. The determination of whether a witness qualifies as an expert does not follow a strict formula; instead, there must be an appropriate match between the witness's expertise and the subject matter of the case. The judge serves as a gatekeeper, assessing the reliability of the expert's testimony and deciding whether it should be admitted for consideration. The judge's role is to ensure that only reliable expert testimony is presented to avoid misleading the judge or jury with unreliable information.