Getuigenverklaring
Witness Statement
A witness statement is an oral or written declaration by a witness concerning facts observed by him or her. Such a statement serves as evidence in civil or criminal proceedings.
A witness statement is the account of the observations or knowledge of a person who is not a party to the dispute. The statement may be given during an examination, to the police or before the court and is often recorded in an official report.
The witness statement is relevant because it can contribute to the ascertainment of the truth and to the evidence in a case. Its reliability can be tested by examining the witness and, where appropriate, by confronting it with other means of evidence.
In practice, lawyers prepare witnesses for giving a statement in order to prevent unnecessary ambiguities or contradictions and to allow the proceedings to proceed smoothly.
“The attorney emphasized the consistency of the witness statement to persuade the judge of the facts.”
Related terms
Related articles
Need legal advice?
Schedule a free consultation with one of our specialists