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witness

witness definition - legal

A person who gives testimony under oath and penalty of perjury in a court of law
To observe the execution of a legal document and to authenticate it by affixing oneÂ’s name to it.

adverse witness

character witness

One who testifies to the reputation of another as a reliable, reputable member of the community. Character witnesses may be used to support or impugn the testimony of a key party.

expert witness

See expert.

hostile witness

One whose adverse relationship to a party may prejudice his or her testimony against that party. A person declared to be a hostile witness may be asked leading questions and may be cross-examined by the party who called him or her.

lay witness

A witness other than an expert witness.

material witness

A witness called to testify about an important or essential matter, or a matter having a logical and necessary connection to the facts under consideration.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.