The assumption is logically unfounded. The rule accordingly recognizes that an expert on the stand may give a dissertation or exposition of scientific or other principles relevant to the case, leaving the trier of fact to apply them to the facts. Much discretion remains vested in the trial judge to determine whether a proffered witness qualifies as an expert. The applicable law on this subject should remain largely as it was before the adoption of Rule 702. See, e.g., International Telecommunications Sys.
Experts often base their opinions and other testimony upon the results of scientific tests.
Rule 702 does not undertake to answer the question whether such tests possess sufficient reliability to be admissible. Scientific tests are admissible only when they have gained general acceptance in the particular field. Further development of Alabama law on this subject is left to the case law. The committee, in recommending this Rule 702, gave due consideration to the latest suggested amendment to Fed. The committee agreed that there are problems in the present use of expert witnesses but that the proposed amendment to the federal rule raises more questions than it answers.