What is mean by Witness
Witness is a person called in a judicial or similar proceeding to give testimony under oath. He may appear voluntarily or be required to appear by subpoena.
Witness is a person who is present at some transactions, and signs the document evidencing it. In most jurisdictions, a certain number of witnesses are necessary for a valid will, or valid ceremonial marriage. Witness to signatures to deeds and similar papers are generally not legally necessary, but are helpful in providing the signature, if its genuineness is attracted.
Witness is a person who on oath or solemn affirmation gives evidence in any cause or matter. A witness must attend in court according to the requirement of his subpoena. If he has not been paid his lawful expenses, he may refuse to be sworn; but if he be once sworn, he must give his evidence. A witness is not obliged to answer any question which tends to criminate him. On the application of either party, all the witness on both sides are ordered to leave the court until called; and each is only called when his evidence is actually required. If a witness who has been ordered out of court remains, it is contempt, if willful, and may be treated as such; but his evidence is not rejected. Each witness remains in court after he has given his evidence, and is expected not to communicate with those outside. But every party to the cause is entitled to be present throughout, though he be about to give evidence. A witness cannot leave the precincts of the court without leave after the evidence of his side is over, nor even when the judge has began to sum up, for any witness may at the discretion of the judge be recalled at any time before the verdict is given.
distinction is taken between the competency and the credibility of witnesses, the former determining absolutely the admission or rejection of their evidence, the latter going to corroborate or to its truthfulness.
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