What are the rules for witness testimony in criminal cases?
Witness testimony is an important part of criminal cases in Virginia. The rules for witness testimony in criminal cases are outlined in the Virginia Rules of Evidence. First, witnesses must testify under oath and promise to tell the truth. The oath can be taken in person or via a video conference. Witnesses must also be competent, meaning they must be able to understand the significance of their testimony and must be of sound mind. Second, an attorney may ask a witness to answer questions that will help the court understand the case. A witness may be asked to explain facts, provide an opinion, or describe an event. The witness may also be asked to identify documents or other physical evidence. Third, the witness may be cross-examined by the opposing counsel. This is a chance for the attorney to ask questions that may call into question the credibility of the witness or the accuracy of the witness’s testimony. Finally, when a witness is done testifying, the court may allow the witness to be excused or the witness may be recalled at a later time for further questioning. In Virginia, the rules for witness testimony in criminal cases are important and must be followed for the proceedings to be fair and impartial. These rules provide a framework for attorneys, witnesses, and the court to ensure that the truth is revealed and justice is served.
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