Legal Definitions - testify

To testify means to formally provide information or evidence, typically under oath or affirmation, in a legal proceeding such as a trial, hearing, or deposition. When someone testifies, they are acting as a witness to help a court, jury, or other legal body understand the facts and make a decision.

Here are some examples of how the term applies:

• Imagine a criminal trial where a store clerk saw a robbery take place. The prosecutor calls the clerk to the stand. The clerk raises their right hand, swears to tell the truth, and then describes what they observed during the robbery, including the appearance of the perpetrator and the items stolen. This act of the clerk sharing their firsthand account under oath is an example of them testifying.

• Consider a civil lawsuit involving a dispute over a property boundary. A professional land surveyor, who has no personal stake in the outcome but was hired to measure the property, is asked to appear in court. The surveyor presents their findings, explains the technical details of their survey, and answers questions from both attorneys and the judge. By presenting this expert evidence and answering questions in court, the surveyor is testifying to their professional opinion and findings.

• During a divorce proceeding, one parent might allege that the other parent is unfit to have custody of their children. A child psychologist, who has evaluated the children and both parents, might be called to a hearing. The psychologist would then present their professional assessment and recommendations regarding the children's best interests to the judge. This presentation of their expert opinion and observations in a formal setting constitutes the psychologist testifying.