What is a key factor in determining the admissibility of lay witness testimony in Georgia?

The admissibility of lay witness testimony in Georgia hinges significantly on the personal knowledge of the witness. A lay witness can provide testimony about matters that they have directly observed or experienced. This personal knowledge is fundamental because it ensures that the witness's testimony is based on firsthand experience rather than speculation or conjecture.

In legal proceedings, this concept serves to maintain the reliability and relevance of the testimony presented. A witness's observations and recollections provide the court with context and insight based on real-life interactions with the situation at hand. If a witness lacks personal knowledge, their testimony could be deemed irrelevant or inadmissible because it would not assist the trier of fact in understanding the evidence or determining a fact in issue.

Other factors, such as expert evaluations, the witness's prior criminal record, or character assessments, may influence the weight or credibility of the testimony but do not fundamentally determine its admissibility. Personal knowledge remains the cornerstone for allowing lay witness testimony to be heard in court.