Opinion ID: 1717272
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: testimony on military pay allowances and entitlements from a military auditor.

Text: Sergeant Ames, a military auditor from Ellsworth Air Force Base, was called by Phyllis to testify about specific military pay allowances and entitlements which Bernard was receiving. Bernard claims that Sergeant Ames' testimony was hearsay which was either inadmissible or admissible only under SDCL 19-16-28 or SDCL 19-16-35. If admissible under these statutes, Bernard argues that Ames' testimony should have been excluded because Phyllis did not give him advance notice of her intent to present this testimony. He disputes Ames' testimony concerning the amounts of the entitlements, claiming changes in residence and marital status will alter the amounts received. This contention goes primarily to credibility not admissibility. Phyllis contends that even if the admission of Sergeant Ames' testimony was error, it was harmless error because the trial court's findings are substantiated by Bernard's testimony. In his reply brief, Bernard also contends that Phyllis waived this argument because of a failure to cite any authority for her argument. We find little merit in Bernard's argument. Sergeant Ames' testimony is closer to expert testimony than inadmissible hearsay. Admissibility of expert opinion testimony is within the discretion of the trial court. SDCL 19-15-2; Matter of J.L.H., 316 N.W.2d 650 (S.D.1982). Because of Sergeant Ames' position, training, and experience, his testimony was beneficial in aiding the court's understanding of military payments.