7,374
edits
Nate Russell (talk | contribs) |
Nate Russell (talk | contribs) |
||
Line 341: | Line 341: | ||
=== Witnesses === | === Witnesses === | ||
You will need to consider whether you need anyone else to attend the trial to give evidence in support of your case. Witnesses should only be called to testify about facts that are relevant to the case and that | You will need to consider whether you need anyone else to attend the trial to give evidence in support of your case. Witnesses should only be called to testify about facts (or certain documents, such as something they signed) that are: | ||
# relevant to the case, and | |||
# within that witness’ direct experience (in contrast to ''hearsay'' — which is not allowed in general because it is indirect information from another person who is not testifying and cannot be cross-examined). | |||
Witnesses are generally not allowed to testify about their opinions, although there are exceptions to this general rule. One notable exception: | Witnesses are generally not allowed to testify about their opinions, although there are exceptions to this general rule. One notable exception: a lay person is allowed to provide an opinion based upon personal observation of something that is commonly known (such as coming to the conclusion that it was raining outside because everyone who came inside was soaking wet). A second notable exception: an expert witness is allowed to provide an opinion based upon their specialized education, training, skills, certification, or experience. | ||
=== Testifying in person === | === Testifying in person === |