Opinion ID: 2074592
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Testimony of Forest Ranger Lance Martin

Text: [¶ 13] Jean LeClerc alleges several errors in the trial on the Dionnes' timber trespass claim. He first contends that the court erred in denying his motion for judgment as a matter of law. The basis of that motion, however, was that without the testimony of Forest Ranger Lance Martin, the Dionnes had not proved their damages; the real issue was thus the admissibility of Martin's testimony. Contrary to LeClerc's contention, Martin did not offer an expert opinion, but testified based on his personal knowledge of the results of the stump count he and other Maine Forest Service employees conducted on the Dionnes' land. See M.R. Evid. 602, 701; State v. Parks, 544 A.2d 1269, 1271 (Me. 1988). The court neither abused its discretion in allowing Martin's testimony nor erred in denying LeClerc's motion for judgment as a matter of law.