WITNESS STATEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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A witness statement is a written or oral account given by an individual who has observed an event or incident and provides evidence or information about it. It is a piece of testimony recorded by an individual, often referred to as a witness, who was present during the occurrence of a specific event and is willing to provide a factual, first-hand account of what transpired.
Witness statements serve as critical pieces of evidence in legal proceedings, such as criminal trials, civil lawsuits, arbitration hearings, or administrative investigations. They are used to establish the truth of the matter at hand and can contribute significantly to the outcome of a case. Witness statements aim to provide a detailed account of the events, presenting an unbiased and accurate description of what the witness observed, heard, or experienced.
These statements can be obtained through various means, including written documents, video recordings, audio recordings, or oral testimonies. Typically, the witness will be asked to recount the events chronologically, providing names of individuals involved, descriptions of actions or behaviors, and any relevant details related to the incident.
It is critical for a witness statement to be factual and honest, as it holds immense legal weight and can significantly impact the outcome of a case. However, it is important to note that witness statements may be subjective, as different individuals may perceive and remember the same event differently based on their own perspectives, biases, or limitations.
Etymology of WITNESS STATEMENT
The word witness comes from the Old English witnes which means knowledge, testimony, witness. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word witniz meaning knowledge, witness. This, in turn, is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root weid meaning to see, to know.
The word statement comes from the Old French estat which means position, condition, statement. It is derived from the Latin word status meaning position, state, condition.
Therefore, the etymology of the phrase witness statement combines the Old English and Proto-Germanic roots for knowledge or testimony with the Old French and Latin roots for position or condition.
