In a trial, what is expected of a technical person when called as a witness?

In a trial, a technical person's primary responsibility as a witness is to answer all questions truthfully and directly. This expectation is grounded in the need for reliability and credibility in the legal process. Their expertise is intended to provide clarity on specific technical issues relevant to the case, making it essential for their responses to be both accurate and concise.

By adhering to the principle of truthfulness, the witness assists the court in understanding complex information, which may significantly influence the trial's outcome. Direct answers also help to maintain the integrity of the judicial process by reducing ambiguity and potential misinterpretation of their testimony.

While it is important for a witness to provide relevant information, and there may be situations where it is appropriate to address improper questions, the fundamental obligation remains focused on truthfulness and clarity in response to questions posed by legal counsel.