Is an objection valid if an expert offers opinion testimony on an ultimate issue?

In the context of expert opinion testimony on ultimate issues, the principle in question revolves around the admissibility of such testimony in court. Generally, federal and state rules of evidence allow expert witnesses to offer opinions on ultimate issues; however, there are nuances regarding the applicable standards and the nature of the evidence presented.

The correct choice indicates that an objection is not valid when an expert offers opinion testimony on an ultimate issue. This is because, under the rules of evidence, experts are often permitted to testify about issues that may ultimately decide the case (the ultimate issues) as long as their testimony is reliable and relevant. Courts recognize the value that expert opinions provide in helping the jury understand complex matters related to the case.

While certain limitations might exist for specific types of cases—such as the restriction against lay witnesses providing conclusions on ultimate issues or challenges based on the relevance and reliability of the expert's methodology—an expert's testimony on an ultimate issue is generally permissible, thus making the objection invalid in most circumstances. Therefore, the assertion that such an objection is valid is not consistent with the prevailing legal standards.