Witness

A witness is an individual who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, and can provide a firsthand account of what took place. In legal contexts, a witness may be summoned to testify in court to provide evidence regarding their observations. Witnesses play a critical role in investigations and judicial proceedings.

Witness meaning with examples

• During the trial, the eyewitness described the events of the night in detail, helping the jury understand the sequence of actions that led to the incident, thereby enhancing their grasp of the case's complexities and enabling a fair verdict to be reached by the judge upon reviewing the evidence presented.
• As a witness to the car accident, she was approached by the police and asked to give her account of the events leading up to the collision. Her testimony was crucial, as it provided an unbiased perspective to help determine liability and understanding of how the accident occurred.
• The witness stood nervously in the courtroom, aware of the weight her statement carried. She recounted how she saw the defendant leave the scene right after the smoke cleared, a detail that brought new insights to the prosecution's case against the accused.
• In a rare act of bravery, he decided to come forward as a witness in the corruption scandal, despite threats against him. His courage inspired others to break their silence, and together they shed light on a situation that demanded public attention and accountability.
• While giving testimony, the witness recalled the atmosphere of fear and tension in the crowd just before the protest turned violent. Her account was instrumental in helping the jury understand the motives behind the actions of both the protesters and the law enforcement present.