Alabama § 12-21-160 - Expert Witnesses.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 12-21-160 — Expert Witnesses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-21-160. Expert Witnesses.
(a) Generally. If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise.
(b) Scientific evidence. In addition to requirements set forth in subsection (a), expert testimony based on a scientific theory, principle, methodology, or procedure is only admissible if:
(1) The testimony is based on sufficient facts or data,
(2) The testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods, and
(3) The witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case.
(c) Nothing in this section shall modify, amend, or supersede any provisions of the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1987 and the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1996, commencing with Section 6-5-540, et seq., or any judicial interpretation thereof.
(d) This section shall apply to all civil state court actions commenced on or after January 1, 2012. In criminal actions, this section shall only apply to non-juvenile felony proceedings in which the defendant that is the subject of the proceeding was arrested on the charge that is the subject of the proceeding on or after January 1, 2012. This section shall not apply to domestic relations, child support, juvenile, or probate cases.
(e) The provisions of this section, where inconsistent with any Alabama Rule of Civil Procedure, Alabama Rule of Criminal Procedure or Alabama Rule of Evidence, including, but not limited to, Ala. R. Evid. 702, shall supersede such rule or parts of rules.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 12-21-160
What does Code of Alabama § 12-21-160 cover?
Section 12-21-160 ("Expert Witnesses.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 12-21-160?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 12-21-160" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 12-21-160 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.