What distinguishes a fact witness from an expert witness?

A fact witness is someone who has direct knowledge of an event or situation and can only provide testimony based on their observations and experiences. This means they are limited to sharing what they have seen, heard, or experienced firsthand, without offering interpretations or opinions based on that information. This distinction is crucial in legal settings where the reliability of testimony can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

On the other hand, an expert witness is someone with specialized knowledge or experience in a particular field, allowing them to offer opinions and interpretations based on the evidence presented. They can synthesize their expertise with the facts of a case to provide a more informed analysis or opinion, which is not something a fact witness can do.

Thus, the correct answer effectively highlights the key role of a fact witness, underscoring their obligation to stick to observations without venturing into opinion or interpretation, which is the primary function of an expert witness.