Witness Statements
Witness Statements
Witness statements are written or recorded accounts provided by individuals who have knowledge or information pertinent to a criminal case. These statements are usually obtained by law enforcement officers, prosecutors, or defense investigators during the investigation or trial preparation phase. The purpose of witness statements is to document the witness’s observations, recollections, and opinions related to the case, preserving their testimony for future reference. Statements can be used to corroborate or impeach a witness’s testimony during trial, to support probable cause for arrests or searches, or to provide leads for further investigation. They may be summarized in police reports or transcribed verbatim and are subject to disclosure to the defense through the discovery process. The admissibility of witness statements at trial depends on the rules of evidence and the availability of the witness for cross-examination.