In criminal law, what does "testimony" refer to?

Testimony refers specifically to the formal statement made by a witness under oath during legal proceedings. This is a key component of the judicial process, as it involves providing firsthand accounts or evidence related to the case. Testimony is delivered during trials or hearings and is intended to help establish the facts of the case. Because witnesses give their statements under penalty of perjury, this creates a legal obligation for the witness to tell the truth, making testimony a critical part of ensuring justice.

In contrast, written evidence submitted to the court may refer to documents such as contracts or reports, which do not involve a personal account of events. The opinion of the judge pertains to the interpretation of law and application to the case but is not classified as testimony. Legal documents filed for a trial encompass a range of paperwork, including pleadings and motions, but again, these are distinct from the personal recounting that testimony entails. Thus, testimony as a formal statement from a witness is foundational for building the narrative of a case in court.