Difference between revisions of "Testify"
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| − | To '''testify''' is to answer questions in [[court]].[[Category:Legal Terms]] | + | To '''testify''', also known as to '''give evidence''', is to answer questions as a witness in [[court]]. |
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| + | In normal circumstances, the party calling a witness to testify will initially 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. | ||
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| + | Normally a witness can only be asked about what they know about an event; that is what they themselves [[direct evidence|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]] | ||
Latest revision as of 08:06, March 7, 2013
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 initially 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.
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.