What are the rules for witness testimony in criminal cases?

In criminal cases in Hawaii, witnesses are called to the stand to help determine the facts in the case. Witnesses can be either the accused or someone with firsthand knowledge of the events of the case. Witnesses will be asked to provide testimony about the facts of the case, such as what they saw, what they heard, and who was involved. Witnesses may also be asked to provide opinions or an interpretation of what happened. All witnesses must be sworn in before they testify. This means that they must promise to tell the truth. In criminal cases, a witness must provide relevant and reliable evidence that is directly related to the case. Witnesses must also be competent—that is, they must have sufficient intelligence and understanding of the subject matter to give reliable evidence. Witnesses may also be subject to cross-examination and challenged by the defense attorney. This means that the defense attorney can ask questions to challenge the accuracy of the witness’s testimony. Witnesses are often protected by certain rules that must be followed. Witnesses are not allowed to be excluded from the courtroom or have their testimony influenced by threats or bribes. Witnesses may not be questioned if their physical or mental health is in danger. If a witness’s safety is in danger, they may be allowed to testify anonymously. Witness testimony is a key component of a criminal case. It is important that witnesses provide accurate and reliable testimony in order to ensure a fair trial. In Hawaii, witnesses must adhere to the rules for witness testimony in order to ensure the fairness of the case.

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