What should a witness always do when testifying?

When testifying, a witness has a fundamental responsibility to tell the truth. This obligation is central to the integrity of the judicial process, as truthful testimony ensures that the facts of a case are accurately represented. The court relies on the witness's account to make informed decisions, and dishonesty can lead to wrongful convictions or undeserved acquittals. Therefore, providing truthful information is essential to uphold justice and maintain public confidence in the legal system.

In contrast, providing personal opinions, withholding information, or speaking in generalities can undermine the clarity and reliability of the testimony. Personal opinions may not be based on factual evidence and could confuse the court, while withholding information could lead to an incomplete narrative, further complicating the case. Generalities lack specificity, which is crucial in legal testimonies to substantiate claims or observations. Thus, telling the truth is the cornerstone of effective and credible witness testimony.