Opinion ID: 2387298
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Cross-Examination of Dr. Philip Barling

Text: Appellant argues that the trial court erred in denying her the opportunity to voir dire Dr. Philip Barling concerning his expert qualifications and in denying her ample cross-examination of him. There is no merit to this argument. Whether a witness qualifies as an expert in a particular field is a matter within the trial court's discretion, and we will not reverse such a decision absent an abuse of that discretion. Smith, 330 Ark. 50, 953 S.W.2d 870. If any reasonable basis exists demonstrating that the witness has knowledge of the subject beyond that of ordinary knowledge, the evidence is admissible as expert testimony. Id. The general test of admissibility of expert testimony is whether it will assist the trier of fact in understanding the evidence presented or determining a fact in issue. Id. Here, defense counsel objected to Dr. Barling's qualifications to give an opinion on whether Edwards had the ability to (1) comprehend that what he was doing was legally wrong and (2) conform his behavior to the requirements of the law. Counsel asked to voir dire the witness. The trial court found that a proper foundation had been laid, specifically that he had practiced psychology for almost twenty years, had some training in forensic psychology, and had testified as an expert witness on psychological matters in various courts of this state. The trial judge stated that, based on the qualifications he heard, he felt it was more appropriate to permit Appellant to go into the doctor's particular qualifications on cross-examination. This ruling was well within the trial court's discretion. Similarly, we find no merit to the issue that the trial court denied Appellant a full opportunity to cross-examine Dr. Barling concerning the bases for his opinion. It appears from the record that although cross-examination was interrupted at one point, Appellant's cross-examination of the witness was otherwise unrestricted.