Legal Definitions - your witness

The phrase "your witness" is a formal declaration used by an attorney in a courtroom to signal that they have completed their questioning of a particular witness. It indicates to the opposing attorney that it is now their turn to question the same witness, typically through cross-examination.

This phrase marks a clear transition of control over the witness from one side of the case to the other, ensuring an orderly process of examination and cross-examination.

• Example 1 (Criminal Trial):

  In a criminal trial where a defendant is accused of assault, the prosecutor calls an eyewitness to the stand. After asking the witness a series of questions about what they saw during the incident, the prosecutor concludes by stating, "I have no further questions for this witness, your witness." This declaration means the prosecutor has finished their direct examination, and the defense attorney is now invited to begin their cross-examination of the eyewitness.

• Example 2 (Civil Personal Injury Case):

  During a civil lawsuit for damages resulting from a slip-and-fall accident, the plaintiff's attorney calls a forensic engineer to testify about the hazardous condition of the floor. After the engineer has explained their findings and expert opinion, the plaintiff's attorney says, "Thank you, Mr. Smith. That concludes my examination. Your witness." This signals to the defense attorney that they may now proceed with their cross-examination of the forensic engineer, perhaps to challenge the methodology or conclusions presented.

• Example 3 (Business Dispute Arbitration):

  In an arbitration hearing concerning a breach of contract between two companies, one company's attorney calls a financial expert to present an analysis of the alleged damages. After the attorney has guided the expert through their report and calculations, they turn to the opposing counsel and state, "I'm finished with my questions for the expert. Your witness." This indicates that the attorney for the other company can now cross-examine the financial expert regarding their analysis, assumptions, or conclusions.