Witness
Definition - What does Witness mean?
A witness refers to an individual who testifies under oath in a trial or deposition about what they know, saw, experienced or directly heard about a matter concerning the lawsuit.
A witness is a generic term used for anyone who furnishes evidence. Witnesses can also be used in a civil suit.
Justipedia explains Witness
Witnesses play an important role in court; they provide crucial evidence in a case. This helps a judge or jury to make decision. Any individual who provides testimony regarding an issue in court is regarded as a witness.
Witnesses have existed ever since law has existed. In earlier eras—when scientific, forensic and other methods of evidence didn't exist—it was the word of a witness that held utmost significance in ensuring justice.
Most jurisdictions divide witnesses into four different categories: eyewitness, expert witness, reputation witness and hearsay witness.