A witness may not testify to a matter unless evidence is introduced sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter. Evidence to prove personal knowledge may, but need not, consist of the testimony of the witness. This Rule does not bar testimony admissible under Rules 2:701, 2-702 and 2:703.
Rule 2:602.LACK OF PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE
Part Two: Virginia Rules of Evidence · Last amended 2012 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2:602 requires a fact witness to have personal knowledge of the matter before testifying about it, though the witness’s own testimony can supply that foundation, and the rule does not restrict opinion testimony admissible under the lay- and expert-opinion rules.
Full Text of Rule 2:602
Plain-English Summary
Rule 2:602 sets the foundation requirement for fact testimony. Before a witness may testify to a matter, the party offering that testimony must introduce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of it. A witness cannot assert facts about events the witness never perceived.
The rule does not demand an elaborate foundation. Evidence proving personal knowledge may — but need not — come from the testimony of the witness. A witness can lay her own foundation by describing how she came to know the matter, and often that description alone satisfies the standard.
The rule closes with an express carve-out: it does not bar testimony admissible under Rules 2:701, 2:702, and 2:703, the rules governing lay opinion and expert testimony. That cross-reference keeps the personal-knowledge requirement from colliding with opinion testimony, which by its nature may rest on inference, training, or specialized expertise rather than firsthand perception of the specific matter at issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a party show before a witness can testify about a fact?
Under Rule 2:602, the party must introduce evidence sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter being testified to.
Can a witness establish her own personal knowledge just by testifying about it?
Yes. Rule 2:602 states that evidence proving personal knowledge may, but need not, consist of the testimony of the witness herself.
Does Rule 2:602 prevent an expert from giving an opinion based on facts the expert did not personally witness?
No. The rule expressly states it does not bar testimony admissible under Rules 2:701, 2:702, and 2:703, which govern lay and expert opinion testimony.
What happens if a witness testifies to something without any evidence of personal knowledge?
The testimony is inadmissible under Rule 2:602 unless the proponent introduces evidence sufficient to support a finding that the witness perceived the matter firsthand.
Does personal knowledge have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt?
No. Rule 2:602 asks only whether the evidence is sufficient to support a finding of personal knowledge — a lower threshold than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Amendment History
Adopted and promulgated by Order dated June 1, 2012; effective July 1, 2012.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, published by the
Supreme Court of Virginia. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: personal knowledge requirement virginia witnessfoundation for witness testimony virginiarule 2:602 virginia evidencelack of personal knowledge objection virginiawitness firsthand knowledge rule