Changes

To '''testify''', also known as to '''give evidence''', is to answer questions as a witness in [[court]].   

To '''testify''', also known as to '''give evidence''', is to answer questions as a witness in [[court]].   

In normal circumstances the party calling a witness to testify will have an initial chance to perform a [[direct examination]] before the opposing side has a chance to [[cross-examine]].  The initial side will then have a chance to [[re-direct]] on any matters raised during the cross-examination.  All testimony in court is given [[under oath]] which means charges of [[perjury]] will apply to any deliberate lies told.   

In normal circumstances the party calling a witness to testify will have an initial chance to perform a [[direct examination]] before the opposing side has a chance to [[Cross-examination|cross-examine]].  The initial side will then have a chance to [[Re-direct examination|re-direct]] on any matters raised during the cross-examination.  All testimony in court is given [[oath|under oath]] which means charges of [[perjury]] will apply to any deliberate lies told.   

Normally a witness can only be asked about what they know about an event; that is what they themselves directly saw or heard.  Only a properly qualified [[expert witness]] may be asked their opinion about their evidence, or to draw an inference from the available facts.   

Normally a witness can only be asked about what they know about an event; that is what they themselves directly saw or heard.  Only a properly qualified [[expert witness]] may be asked their opinion about their evidence, or to draw an inference from the available facts.   

[[Category:Legal Terms]]

[[Category:Legal Terms]]