1. Common Witnesses
- Definition: Individuals who provide evidence based on their direct observations or perceptions.
- Requirement: Must demonstrate personal perception using their own senses.
- First-Hand Knowledge Rule: Establishes the exact circumstances of the case for the court.
2. Expert Witnesses
- Definition: Trained or skilled individuals in technical or scientific subjects capable of drawing opinions and conclusions from facts observed by hinmself or noticed by others eg. doctor, fingerprint expert, handwriting expert, firearms expert, etc.
- Opinions Allowed:
- Upon admitted or proven facts.
- On matters of common knowledge.
- In response to hypothetical questions.
- Main Obligation: Point out professional facts.
- Guarded Opinions: Key questions answered cautiously (e.g., trauma consistency).
- Reference to Books: Experts may refer to literature for memory or confirmation.
- Dual Role: Doctors can serve as both common and expert witnesses.
3. Hostile Witnesses
- Definition: Individuals with an interest in concealing truth or providing false evidence.
- Court Declaration: Declared hostile based on party suggestions (summoning lawyer or prosecution).
- Cross-Examination: Can be questioned by the same side’s lawyer.
- Common and Expert Witnesses: Both can exhibit hostile behavior.
4. Perjury
- Definition: Willfully giving false evidence under oath or withholding the truth.
- Penalty: Imprisonment of up to 7 years.