Family members testify to observed changes in the injured person, care burdens assumed, and relational effects. In wrongful death cases the testimony supports loss of society where recoverable.
Testimony must rest on personal observation.
Alternative Names:
Family Testimony|Impact Witness Testimony
Why it Matters?
Cross-examination of family witnesses is where defense credibility is most at risk, and challenging observations of a spouse describing a catastrophically injured partner rarely produces benefit proportionate to the cost. Establishing specific facts through brief neutral questioning is more productive than confrontation. Where testimony strays into medical opinion or speculation about the future, objection on personal knowledge grounds is available without attacking the witness.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How should family witnesses be cross-examined?
What objection is available?
