Opinion ID: 1379871
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Expert testimony of detective.

Text: Detective Hatch was allowed to testify that, in his opinion, based on his law enforcement experience, certain minor injuries on Lord indicated that Lord had recently been in a fight. Lord contends that it was error to permit this testimony on a medical issue because Detective Hatch was not qualified as a medical expert. Without deprecating Detective Hatch's law enforcement experience, we are persuaded by Lord's contention. When, as here, the cause of injuries is not immediately apparent, the opinion as to the cause should be given by one qualified as a medical expert, not by a law enforcement officer, pursuant to NRS 50.275. Here, for example, the physician might have testified on this point. In other cases where it is apparent that the victim has been in a fight, no opinion is needed. A photograph of the injuries and counsel's argument will suffice to inform the jury. In any event, layperson opinion pursuant to NRS 50.265 is not an appropriate vehicle to illuminate the cause of these types of injuries. Despite the above, however, we cannot conclude that this error prejudiced Lord's substantial rights. There was other strong evidence of guilt. Additionally, on cross-examination by defense counsel, Detective Hatch admitted that he was uncertain how fresh the wounds were and that the wounds could have been caused by simple accident, rather than a fight.