Legal Definitions - written testimony

Written testimony refers to a formal statement or declaration that is submitted in a written format, rather than being spoken aloud. It is often provided under oath or affirmation and serves as evidence or information in various legal, administrative, or legislative proceedings. This allows individuals to present their account of facts, expert opinions, or arguments in a structured and permanent document.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of written testimony:

• Example 1: Court Proceedings

  Imagine a civil lawsuit where a crucial witness lives in a different state and cannot travel to attend the trial in person. Instead of appearing in court, this witness prepares a detailed affidavit—a sworn written statement—describing everything they observed relevant to the case. This document, signed under penalty of perjury, is then submitted to the court. This affidavit serves as their written testimony, providing their evidence to the court without requiring their physical presence.

• Example 2: Legislative Hearings

  Consider a situation where a state legislature is holding hearings on a proposed bill to regulate new technology. An expert in cybersecurity, who has valuable insights but is unable to attend the hearing due to a prior commitment, drafts a comprehensive report. This report outlines their professional opinion on the bill's potential impacts, suggests amendments, and provides supporting data. This detailed report is submitted to the legislative committee. This document functions as the expert's written testimony, ensuring their specialized knowledge is considered by the lawmakers.

• Example 3: Administrative Reviews

  Suppose a local resident wants to formally object to a proposed construction project that they believe will negatively affect their neighborhood. Before the city's planning board holds its public meeting, the resident drafts a detailed letter outlining their concerns, explaining the potential environmental and traffic impacts, and providing photographs as evidence. This formal letter is submitted to the planning board for review. This submission constitutes the resident's written testimony, ensuring their perspective and evidence are formally recorded and considered by the board during their decision-making process.