2026 Nevada Revised StatutesChapter 50 – WitnessesNRS 50.275 Testimony by experts.

Statutory Text

If scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by special knowledge, skill, experience, training or education may testify to matters within the scope of such knowledge.

(Added to NRS by 1971, 793)

NV Rev Stat § 50.275 – Last Verified February 2026

Plain English Explanation

Nevada law allows certain witnesses to share their professional opinions in court, but only when that opinion would actually help a judge or jury understand something complicated. These witnesses are called expert witnesses, and they exist because some cases involve topics that most people simply don’t know enough about to fully grasp on their own.

An expert witness is someone who has built up a high level of knowledge in a specific field through years of education, hands-on experience, specialized training, or some combination of all of these. A doctor, an engineer, a forensic accountant, or a chemist could all potentially qualify as expert witnesses depending on what the case is about.

The key requirement under this law is that the expert’s knowledge has to actually be useful to whoever is deciding the case. If a judge or jury can figure something out using common sense and everyday reasoning, there’s no need to bring in an expert. But when the subject matter goes beyond what an average person would reasonably be expected to understand, an expert can step in and explain it.

It’s also worth noting that an expert witness doesn’t have to have a formal degree to qualify. Someone who has spent decades working in a trade or industry can be just as qualified to testify as someone with an advanced academic credential. What matters is that they genuinely know the subject at a level that goes well beyond what most people know.

Once a court recognizes someone as a qualified expert, that person can share opinions and conclusions in their area of expertise, not just basic facts. That’s what separates an expert witness from a regular witness, who can typically only describe what they personally saw or heard.

Frequently Asked Questions About NRS 50.275

What is an expert witness in Nevada?

An expert witness in Nevada is a person who has specialized knowledge in a particular field that goes beyond what an average person would know. Courts recognize someone as an expert based on their education, training, hands-on experience, or a combination of those things. Once qualified, they are allowed to share their professional opinions during a trial or hearing to help a judge or jury understand complex evidence.

Does an expert witness need a college degree to testify in Nevada?

No. Nevada law does not require an expert witness to hold a formal academic degree. A person who has spent many years working in a specific trade or industry can qualify just as much as someone with advanced schooling. What matters is that the person has a genuinely high level of knowledge in the subject area that is relevant to the case.

What kinds of cases use expert witnesses in Nevada?

Expert witnesses appear in many types of cases. Medical malpractice cases often involve doctors explaining the standard of care. Personal injury cases may use accident reconstruction specialists. Financial disputes might bring in forensic accountants. Essentially, any case where the facts involve technical or scientific subject matter that a typical juror might struggle to evaluate on their own is a candidate for expert witness testimony.

Can a Nevada court reject a proposed expert witness?

Yes. A court has the authority to decide whether a proposed witness actually qualifies as an expert. The judge will look at the person’s background and determine whether their knowledge is relevant and sufficient. If the court finds that the person’s expertise does not meet the standard, or that their testimony would not genuinely help the trier of fact, the testimony can be excluded.

What is the difference between an expert witness and a regular witness in Nevada?

A regular witness can only testify about things they personally observed, such as what they saw, heard, or experienced. An expert witness is different because they are permitted to offer opinions and draw conclusions based on their specialized knowledge, even about things they did not personally witness. That ability to provide informed professional opinions is what makes expert witnesses uniquely valuable in complex legal cases.

If you’re facing a legal situation where expert testimony could make or break your case, the experienced team at Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers has the knowledge and resources to connect you with the right experts and build the strongest case possible on your behalf. Reach out to Wooldridge Law Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and let a qualified legal team go to work for you.