Expert

[L. Lat. expertus, peritus.'] A skilful or experienced person; a person having skill, experience or peculiar knowledge on certain subjects, or in certain professions; a scientific witness. Persons of this character, when called as witnesses in a cause, are allowed to state their opinions in evidence, contrary to the general rule that the opinion of a witness is not evidence.

Broom'8 Max. 422.

See Caiiibct in «ri« •■« Ferit* est credeadom. It seemS that the rule sometimes allowed to prevail, admitting experts to give an opinion, whether a signature is genuine or imitated, is not well established upon authority, and that such testimony is incompetent.

Bronson, C. J., 1 Denude R. 343, 346. 1 Perm. R. 161. b B.dkA, 330.

Best m livid.

268, § 220. But see 10 Clarke i St F. 103. Id. 154. 9 Connecticut R. 65. 17 Pick. R. 497.