Opinion ID: 2124098
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Expert testimony was admissible.

Text: We have long acknowledged that the trial court has broad discretion concerning the admission of expert testimony, and its decision on that matter shall be reversed only upon an abuse of that discretion. State v. Burtzlaff, 493 N.W.2d 1 (S.D.1992); State v. Hill, 463 N.W.2d 674, 676 (S.D.1990). A determining factor in admitting such testimony is: Would it assist the trier of fact in understanding matters that normally would not be within a layperson's breadth of knowledge? Hill at 677; State v. Swallow, 350 N.W.2d 606 (S.D.1984). Certainly, jurors have some experience and common sense knowledge of factors that may cause occasional mistakes in identification; however, they do not possess an expert's comprehensive training in assessing the reliability of identification. Hill at 677. Prior to trial, McCord was on notice that State intended to use Deputy Toft to explain the identification process and to note similarities and differences between the composite drawing and the mug shot used in the photo lineup. As laymen do not possess the skill and experience to assess an eyewitness identification, the trial court is proper in allowing such expert testimony provided it does not invade the province of the jury. State v. Werner, 482 N.W.2d 286 (S.D.1992); State v. Huber 356 N.W.2d 468 (S.D.1984). Toft's testimony in no way answered the ultimate issue; it merely informed the jury as to why an eyewitness may not give a completely accurate description. We find Connecticut to be persuasive on this issue in holding that a police sketch artist is permitted to give his opinion with respect to the similarities and dissimilarities of the facial features of the person depicted in the composite sketch and the defendant's photograph, and to give a similar opinion with respect to the composite sketch and the defendant in the courtroom. State v. Palmer, 491 A.2d 1075, 1080 (Conn. 1985). The value of [Toft's] testimony is that it taught the jury how to view the materials before them by focusing their attention on the relationship of certain facial features. Palmer at 1081. Toft was not asked if McCord was the person in the sketch, nor did he ever testify so. Permitting helpful technical testimony concerning the science of identification was not an abuse of the trial court's discretion nor did it invade the province of the jury. See United States v. Fosher, 590 F.2d 381 (1st Cir.1979).