Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

Which type of witness provides testimony based on firsthand knowledge of the incident without assumptions?

1. Expert witness

2. Fact witness

3. Character witness

4. Eyewitness

The correct answer is: Fact witness

The choice identifying the correct answer points to the fact witness, who offers testimony grounded in direct observation of an event without incorporating assumptions or interpretations. This type of witness is significant in legal settings as their accounts are based solely on what they have personally witnessed, making their testimony a fundamental component for establishing the facts of a case. Their lack of bias and reliance on verifiable experiences underscore their crucial role in ensuring that the information presented in court is both accurate and based on reality. In contrast, an expert witness relies on specialized knowledge or expertise to provide insights, analysis, or opinions that are often informed by theoretical frameworks or experience beyond direct observations of the incident at hand. Meanwhile, a character witness speaks to an individual's character traits or reputation rather than the specifics of an incident, and an eyewitness specifically accounts for having seen the event occur, which may involve personal interpretations or feelings surrounding the event. Thus, the fact witness stands out as the most reliable source for unvarnished testimony regarding the incident itself.