What role does an eyewitness play in an investigation?

An eyewitness plays a crucial role in an investigation by supplying testimonial evidence relevant to the case. Eyewitnesses provide firsthand accounts of events they have observed, which can significantly aid law enforcement agencies in understanding the sequence of events, identifying suspects, and corroborating other evidence collected during the investigation.

The information they provide can help establish timelines, clarify circumstances surrounding the crime, and offer critical details that may not be captured in physical evidence. This testimonial evidence can be essential during legal proceedings, as it can influence the outcome of a case by contributing to the overall narrative presented in court.

While technical expertise and legal representation are critical in their own right, and personal judgment can often add subjective viewpoints, the fundamental role of an eyewitness is to deliver observations that can be verified and that help to establish facts pertinent to the investigation.