Fed. R. Evid. 602 — Need for Personal Knowledge
Plain English
A lay witness can only testify about things they personally perceived. There must be enough evidence to support a finding of personal knowledge—and that proof can be the witness’s own testimony. It does not apply to experts, who are governed by Rule 703.
From the Courtroom
This is the “were you there / how do you know” rule. Lay fact and lay opinion testimony both need a personal-knowledge foundation; lay it before the substance or expect a sustained objection. The bar is low—enough to support a finding—but skip it and the testimony reads as speculation. Experts are handled under Rule 703 instead.
Key Points & Authority
- Foundation required. Lay testimony needs evidence sufficient to support a finding of personal knowledge; the witness’s own testimony can supply it.
- Low threshold. Enough to support a finding, not proof beyond dispute.
- Experts excepted. Does not apply to expert testimony under Rule 703.
Florida Parallel
Florida Parallel: Fed. R. Evid. 602 corresponds to § 90.604, Fla. Stat. (Lack of personal knowledge). Both require a personal-knowledge foundation for lay testimony. Cross-reference is text-only for now; live links added in a later interlinking pass.
About this rule walkthrough
Part of The Evidence Code, hosted by John M. Phillips — Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Court TV analyst, admitted in 8 states + 9 federal districts + SCOTUS.
Free consultation: (904) 444-4444 · About John Phillips
Educational only — not legal advice.
Rule Text (verbatim from the Florida Supreme Court)
A witness may testify to a matter only if evidence is introduced sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter. Evidence to prove personal knowledge may consist of the witness’s own testimony. This rule does not apply to a witness’s expert testimony under Rule 703.
Educational reference. Educational summary of the Federal Rules of Evidence, not legal advice.
What this rule means in plain English
A lay witness can only testify about things they personally perceived. There must be enough evidence to support a finding of personal knowledge—and that proof can be the witness’s own testimony. It does not apply to experts, who are governed by Rule 703.