Final answer:
True, both a lay witness and an expert witness can give testimony that includes opinions or inferences based on case facts. The difference lies in the scope of opinions offered by a layperson compared to the specialized inference provided by an expert. The reliability of testimony is evaluated based on expertise, consensus, lack of bias, and alignment with facts.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, both a lay witness and an expert witness can offer testimony which may include their opinions or inferences based on the facts of the case. A lay witness is generally restricted to testifying to what they directly observed or experienced. Their opinions are confined to those that a common person could make from their experiences. An expert witness, by contrast, provides specialized knowledge beyond that of the average layperson. The expert's testimony can include opinion or inferences that directly align with their field of expertise. When evaluating testimony, whether from a lay or expert witness, one must consider factors such as the source's expertise the consensus among experts, the potential for bias, and if the testimony adheres to verifiable facts and reasonable inferences.
Testimony plays a critical role in our acquisition of knowledge; whether it's considered reliable can depend on the credibility of the source and their alignment with established facts and expert consensus. However even the most justified beliefs based on testimony can be false due to the inherent fallibilities in human observation and recollection.