A lay witness is also referred to as what?

A lay witness is referred to as a fact witness because this type of witness provides testimony based on their personal knowledge and observations rather than specialized or expert knowledge. Lay witnesses typically recount what they have seen, heard, or experienced firsthand, thus presenting factual information to the court. Their role is to provide clarity and context around the events in question, aiding in the understanding of the case.

In contrast, expert witnesses offer opinions based on specialized knowledge, training, or experience that goes beyond the average person's understanding. Professional witnesses are sometimes considered individuals who may have prior experience in similar situations or cases but are not specifically categorized as expert witnesses. Character witnesses testify about a person's character traits and reputation, which differs from the factual testimony provided by lay witnesses.