Witness Stand Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Witness Stand, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Witness Stand?

(n) A witness stand is box in a court room, usually placed at the side of the judge where the witness testifies under an oath and provides testimony. The jurors cross examine the witness when they stand in witness stand after taking oath. A judge may also records his finding after verifying the witness on witness stand

History and Meaning of Witness Stand

A witness stand is a box found in a courtroom where a witness testifies under oath and provides testimony. The term has been in use for centuries, with some sources stating that witness boxes were first introduced in the 16th century in England when torture was being phased out as a form of evidence extraction. It was therefore considered important to have a separate space for witnesses to testify.

In the United States, the witness stand is typically located to the side of the judge and is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of the witness while they testify. In many courtrooms, the witness stand looks like a small enclosed box, with a chair facing the judge's bench and a microphone for the witness to speak into.

Examples of Witness Stand

  1. During the trial, the victim will be called to the witness stand to provide her testimony.

  2. The defense attorney asked the judge to instruct the witness to step down from the witness stand before continuing with his cross-examination.

  3. The judge instructed the jury to pay close attention to the witness's body language and demeanor while on the witness stand to help determine their credibility.

Legal Terms Similar to Witness Stand

  1. Defendant's Box - A box in a courtroom where the defendant sits during a trial.

  2. Jury Box - A section of the courtroom where the jury sits during the trial.

  3. Clerk's Desk - A desk or stand where the court clerk sits to manage court documents and proceedings.