Who is considered an eyewitness in legal terms?

In legal terms, an eyewitness is defined as a person who was present during an incident and personally observed what took place. This definition emphasizes the importance of direct observation in legal contexts where firsthand accounts are often crucial for establishing facts surrounding a case. Eyewitnesses provide testimonies based on their own perceptions, which can strongly influence the court's view of events. This personal observation often carries more weight than hearsay or indirect accounts, as the reliability and accuracy of the testimony can be assessed based on the witness's direct experiences. Direct knowledge gained through personal observation is essential for the integrity of legal processes, making this definition clear and straightforward.