Unus testis nullus testis
One witness is no witness.
The principle 'unus testis nullus testis' provides that the testimony of a single witness is insufficient to prove a fact and that corroborating evidence is required.
The Latin maxim 'unus testis nullus testis' originates from Roman law and literally means that one witness is no witness. This legal principle underscores that a single witness statement does not suffice as conclusive evidence in legal proceedings, given the substantial risk of inaccuracy or partiality.
The principle is of particular relevance in the law of evidence, especially in criminal matters, where the court must have sufficient and reliable evidence before it may convict. It serves as a safeguard against arbitrary decisions founded on inadequately substantiated testimony.
In Dutch practice, the principle continues to be invoked in submissions and judgments to emphasise the need for corroboration, even though modern evidentiary rules apply more flexible standards than the strict Roman formulation.
“The counsel invoked the principle of unus testis nullus testis to demonstrate that the testimony of a single witness was insufficient for a conviction.”
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