What is a lay statement?

A lay statement is a written or verbal statement provided by a non-expert, or layperson, as opposed to an expert witness. Lay statements are typically used in legal proceedings to provide firsthand accounts of events or observations. They are often considered less reliable or persuasive than expert testimony, but can still be valuable in providing context or additional information. Lay statements are subject to scrutiny and cross-examination by the opposing party to ensure accuracy and credibility. It is important for lay statements to be clear, detailed, and truthful in order to be considered reliable evidence in a court of law.