Who is a "witness" in a legal context?

In a legal context, a witness is defined as a person who provides testimony regarding their personal knowledge of events related to a case. This testimony can include information about what they have seen, heard, or experienced. The role of a witness is crucial in legal proceedings as their firsthand accounts can substantiate claims, clarify facts, and contribute to establishing the truth of the matter at hand.

Witnesses may be called to testify in various types of cases, including civil and criminal trials, and they are expected to provide reliable and truthful evidence. The information shared by a witness can significantly influence the outcome of a case, making their role essential in the judicial process. This understanding underscores the importance of their personal experiences and observations, distinguishing them from other legal roles such as judges, lawyers, or document preparers, who perform entirely different functions within the legal system.