Opinion ID: 1918766
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: whether the trial court erred by excluding the lay opinion of greg jones.

Text: ¶ 16. At trial, Greg Jones was asked on direct examination, ... [I]f there had been any speed barriers in front of the Jitney Jungle, which would have slowed that car down, based entirely on your perception, would you have been able to get to Jeremy before that car hit him? The appellees objected to this question and their objection was sustained based on Miss. R. Evid. 701. The appellants assert that the circuit court erroneously excluded Greg Jones' opinion. Jitney Jungle responds that such an opinion constitutes pure speculation and is not of the type anticipated by Rule 701. ¶ 17. Under Rule 701, lay opinion is allowed when it meets a two-pronged test. It must (a) be rationally based on the perception of the witness and (b) be helpful to a clear understanding of the witness's testimony or the determination of a fact in issue. Miss. R. Evid. 701. ¶ 18. Greg Jones was at the scene and had first-hand knowledge of the events. However, lay witnesses are not allowed to testify when special experience or expertise is necessary. Roberts v. Grafe Auto Co., 701 So.2d 1093, 1098 (Miss.1997)(citing Mississippi State Highway Comm'n v. Gilich, 609 So.2d 367, 377 (Miss.1992)). The query to Greg Jones would have required him to render an opinion on the deterrent effect of speed barriers in the parking lot and their impact on a driver's speed. The appellee cites National Paint & Coatings Ass'n v. City of Chicago, 835 F.Supp. 414 (N.D.Ill. 1993) as authority negating this testimony. In National Paint, the City of Chicago was not allowed to introduce lay opinion testimony of five witnesses to challenge the effect city ordinances would have in decreasing graffiti in Chicago. The court stated that rendering an opinion as to the anticipated deterrent effect of the challenged ordinances entails much more than drawing conclusions from physical manifestations. Id. at 419. The same logic applies here. ¶ 19. Jones was asked to speculate on the deterrent effect of speed barriers on the typical driver. He lacked sufficient experience and training to render an opinion on this question since it required knowledge beyond his immediate perception. The question required some degree of specialized knowledge which Jones did not possess and failed to meet the requirements of Rule 701. Therefore, the trial court did not abuse its broad discretion in excluding this testimony.