Legal Definitions - personal evidence

Definition: Personal evidence is also known as testimony. It refers to the evidence given by a competent witness under oath or affirmation at trial or in an affidavit or deposition.

Examples:

• A witness testifying in court about what they saw or heard at the time and place in question is an example of personal evidence.
• Identical or similar testimony by more than one witness, offered by a party to impress the jury with the apparent weight of proof on that party's side, is known as cumulative testimony.
• Testimony given by a witness who is not qualified as an expert but who testifies to opinions or inferences is called lay opinion testimony.

The examples illustrate how personal evidence is given by a witness under oath or affirmation and can be used to prove or disprove a fact in a trial or hearing. Cumulative testimony is used to strengthen a party's case, while lay opinion testimony is given by a witness who is not an expert but has an opinion or inference about the matter at hand.