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LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

court witness

Read a random definition: physician-patient privilege

A quick definition of court witness:

A court witness is someone who is asked to share information or evidence in a trial. They might know something important about what happened in a case, and they tell the court what they know. The court makes sure they are telling the truth and then the jury decides if they believe what the witness said. Sometimes, there are rules about who can be a witness and what they can say. Witnesses have to be honest and can get in trouble if they lie.

A more thorough explanation:

A court witness is a person who is called to give evidence or testify in a trial. They usually have knowledge or proof that is relevant to the case and can provide this information as lay testimony or expert testimony, depending on their experience and expertise.

Witnesses are usually subpoenaed to appear in court, and they are sworn in or affirmed before testifying. During the trial, they must follow the court's rules of evidence and procedure. After testifying, the jury evaluates the credibility of the witness's testimony.

For example, in a case of treason, at least two witnesses are required to testify to the same overt act of treason by the defendant. Both witnesses must have the capacity to accurately perceive the act, recall it, and describe it.

However, not all witnesses are considered competent to testify. A witness may be considered incompetent if they lack understanding, have a conflict of interest, pose a public safety risk, or have religious principles that prevent them from testifying.

Witnesses have limited rights while testifying, depending on the forum in which they appear. For example, witnesses who are accused of a crime have the right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment. All witnesses are protected from compelled self-incrimination by the Fifth Amendment and have limited First Amendment protection.

Overall, a court witness is an important part of the legal process, providing relevant information and evidence to help the court make a fair and just decision.

court trial | court-martial

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HopefullyInLawSchool
16:06
it means you will not be rejected today and may be accepted or WL in the future
Just got my Michigan rejection
BookwormBroker
16:10
same
RoaldDahl
16:10
@HopefullyInLawSchool: what if i already got rejected. does it mean anything
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:12
@RoaldDahl: Likely not however it could mean nothing
RoaldDahl
16:15
So if it means nothing does that mean something?
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:17
Possibly
RoaldDahl
16:26
Cool
RoaldDahl
16:26
thank you!!!! i hope it means something
pinkandblue
16:31
fart
IrishDinosaur
16:36
Mich R gang lesgooo
Did anyone else get that random get to know nova email?
HopefullyInLawSchool
17:21
Ya it was sent to all YM applicants
starfishies
17:37
Anyone get the NDLS email inviting you to apply for something even though they haven’t made a decision on your app yet
17:38
Better yet I got the email and I was rejected last month
starfishies
17:38
Wtf
starfishies
17:39
and the deadline is in like a week what is this
any cardozo movement?
BatmanBeyond
18:01
Sent a LOCI via portal, but I'm wondering if email would have gotten me a swifter response
BatmanBeyond
18:02
This whole hold/wait-list/reserve system is a headache
loci already?
BatmanBeyond
18:09
If the odds are like 1-2% I don't think it matters much by the numbers
12:11
I got the same NDLS email
OrangeThing
12:18
I think the user profiles are broken
19:29
Any word out of Notre Dame?
19:29
Only the invitation to apply for LSE
19:29
Anyone received a decision from NDLS?
19:50
when did u guys apply that just heard from umich? they havent even glanced at my app yet
0:30
how am i supposed to spy on people when profile links are broken?
Right. Broken links smh
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