Rule 701 effectively limits _______.

Rule 701 pertains specifically to the opinions that a fact witness, someone who has first-hand knowledge of an event, can present in court. This rule establishes that such witnesses are limited to giving opinions that are grounded in their own perceptions and experiences, rather than in specialized knowledge or expertise.

The rationale behind this limitation is to ensure that the evidence presented is relevant and based on what the witness actually observed or experienced, rather than on conjecture or expert knowledge that may mislead the jury. Fact witnesses cannot provide opinions that require specialized training or expertise, as those opinions would be more appropriately given by expert witnesses under Rules 702 and 703, which govern expert testimony.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects of evidence presentation and testimony that are not directly tied to the limitations imposed on fact witnesses in Rule 701. Therefore, understanding the scope of Rule 701 is crucial for comprehending how testimony is structured and the roles of different types of witnesses in legal proceedings.