13.5.2 Witnesses A witness is someone who saw or knows something important about a crime. Witnesses can give evidence if they are victims, have direct information or are experts. Experts might talk about handwriting evidence or how the accused was inþuenced by mental health or drugs. All witnesses must promise to tell the truth. Both sides can ask witnesses to answer questions.
SkillBuilder discussion Evaluating democratic institutions and systems 1. Consider FIGURE5 .Why do witnesses need to promise to tell the truth? 2. What is the difference between an oath and an afýrmation? 3. Why do you think that
FIGURE5 Before testifying, witnesses must promise to tell the truth with an oath or afýrmation.
I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
An oath
witnesses can choose between an oath or an afýrmation?
I solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that the evidence I shall give will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
An affirmation
TOPIC13 Laws and citizens 497
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