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Simple English definitions for legal terms
prosecuting witness
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A quick definition of prosecuting witness:
A prosecuting witness is someone who starts a criminal case by telling the authorities what happened and then testifies in court to help prove that the accused person is guilty. They are an important part of the legal process and their testimony can help determine the outcome of a trial.A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A person who files the complaint that triggers a criminal prosecution and whose testimony the prosecution usually relies on to secure a conviction.
Examples: If someone is accused of a crime, the prosecuting witness is the person who reported the crime to the police or filed a complaint with the court. For example, if someone is charged with assault, the prosecuting witness would be the person who was allegedly assaulted and reported the incident to the authorities.
Explanation: The prosecuting witness is a key figure in a criminal trial because their testimony is often crucial in securing a conviction. They are the person who brings the case to court and provides evidence to support the charges against the defendant. Without a prosecuting witness, it can be difficult for the prosecution to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.