Present the witness: This is the statement made by a lawyer in court to indicate that the first side has finished questioning and it is now the other side’s turn to ask questions to the witness. It can also be expressed as “your witness” or “pass the witness.”
When a lawyer says “take the witness,” it indicates that the opposing party can now begin their questioning of the witness. This phrase is commonly used in courtrooms to signify the conclusion of one side’s questioning and the commencement of the other side’s questioning. Similar phrases that convey the same meaning include “your witness” and “pass the witness.” For instance, in Example 1, the lawyer is requesting the judge’s permission for the opposing side to start questioning the witness. In Example 2, the lawyer is indicating that they have no further questions for the witness and it is now the opposing side’s opportunity to ask questions.
– In most cases, you can refuse to testify as a witness, but there are exceptions such as if you have been subpoenaed to testify or if you have been granted immunity.
– If you are called to testify as a witness, you should carefully review any relevant documents or evidence, and be prepared to answer questions truthfully and to the best of your knowledge.
– In some cases, you can be compelled to testify as a witness through a subpoena or court order. However, there are certain legal protections in place to prevent witnesses from being unfairly coerced.
– Lying while testifying as a witness is considered perjury and is a serious criminal offense. You can face legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.
– If your statements are false and harmful to someone’s reputation, you could potentially be sued for defamation. It’s important to be truthful and stick to the facts when testifying.
– You may be able to refuse to answer certain questions if they are protected by attorney-client privilege, if they incriminate you, or if they are not relevant to the case.
– In some cases, witnesses may be entitled to receive compensation for their time and expenses, such as travel costs and lost wages.
– In most cases, witnesses are not allowed to have their own lawyer present while testifying. However, you can consult with a lawyer beforehand to prepare for your testimony.
– It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for testifying as a witness in a legal case. If you believe you have been retaliated against, you may have legal recourse.
– In some cases, you may be able to refuse to testify if it goes against your sincerely held religious beliefs. However, this can be a complex legal issue and it’s best to consult with a lawyer.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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- Modern Language Association (MLA):Take The Witness. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/take-the-witness/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Take The Witness. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/take-the-witness/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Take The Witness. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/take-the-witness/
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