Comment in Support of Proposed Amendment to Ohio Rule of Evidence 702
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ATRA supports the proposed amendment to more closely align Ohio
ATRA supports the proposed amendment to more closely align Ohio Rule of Evidence 702 (“Ohio Rule 702”) with its updated federal counterpart, Federal Rule of Evidence 702—2023 Amend. (effective Dec. 1, 2023). The proposed amendment to Ohio Rule 702 clarifies that the proponent of expert testimony must demonstrate “to the court that it is more likely than not” that the rule’s existing admissibility requirements are met. The amendment underscores the need for judges to act as “gatekeepers” against the admission of unreliable expert testimony. Clarifying the Ohio rule will help avoid misapplication of the rule that has occurred with the analog federal rule and will promote harmony in Ohio’s state and federal courts.
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