A witness is someone who has first hand knowledge about a crime or significant event through his or her senses (e.g. seeing, hearing, smelling, touching) and can help certify important considerations about the crime or event. A witness who has seen the event first hand is known as an eyewitness. Witnesses are often called before a court of law to testify in trials.

A subpoena commands a person to appear. It is used to compel the testimony of a witness in a trial. Usually, it can be issued by a judge or by the lawyer representing the plaintiff or the defendant in a civil trial or by the prosecutor or the defense attorney in a criminal proceeding. In many jurisdictions, it is compulsory to comply, to take an oath, and to tell the truth, under penalty of perjury.

A witness who specializes in an area of study relevant to a crime is called an expert witness. Scientists and doctors are often called to give expert witness testimony.

Noun

witness (plural witnesses)

1. Attestation of a fact or event.

   She can bear witness, since she was there at the time.

2. One who has a personal knowledge of something.

   As a witness to the event, I can tell you that he really said that.

3. Someone called to give evidence in a court.

   The witness for the prosecution did not seem very credible.

4. Something that serves as evidence; a sign.

Derived terms

• expert witness
• eyewitness

Witnessings and Expert Witnesses @ Witnessings.com
An informational site about Witnessings and Expert Witnesses. ... A witness is someone who has first hand knowledge ... Science: Science in Society: Forensic Science (210)
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