Which court case deemed "lay opinion" admissible even without expert status by the officer?

The case that deemed "lay opinion" admissible, even without the officer being classified as an expert, is Stafford vs. Karman. In this ruling, the court recognized that observations made by law enforcement officers can be valuable in legal proceedings, particularly when they pertain to the officer's personal knowledge and experiences. This means that an officer can provide testimony regarding their perceptions and judgments based on their observations without needing to meet the higher standards of expert witness qualifications.

The significance of this case lies in its acknowledgment of the practical experience law enforcement officers possess. For instance, an officer trained in radar or lidar technology can give their opinion on the readings or conditions they observed in a traffic stop, which can be critical evidence in court. This legal precedent facilitates the use of firsthand observations, making it easier for cases to progress without the need for additional expert testimony, which can often complicate and lengthen legal proceedings.