Which of the following is NOT a requirement for an individual to qualify as an expert witness in Georgia?

To qualify as an expert witness in Georgia, one of the essential requirements is that the individual must possess specialized knowledge, skills, experience, training, or education that will assist the trier of fact in understanding the evidence or determining a fact in issue. This can stem from various backgrounds, including practical experience, and does not necessitate formal legal training.

Legal training can certainly enhance an individual's ability to testify about legal issues, but it is not a prerequisite for qualifying as an expert witness. Instead, the emphasis is placed on the expert's ability to contribute relevant knowledge to the jury's understanding of the case. This is foundational to the role of an expert, as their main purpose is to clarify complex subjects that laypersons may struggle to comprehend.

Possessing specialized knowledge, experience in a related field, and the ability to assist the trier of fact are all critical elements required for qualification. Therefore, formal legal training, while beneficial in many contexts, is not necessary to fulfill the criteria for expert witness status in Georgia.