Who are the individuals providing testimony in a legal proceeding?

In a legal proceeding, the individuals providing testimony are referred to as witnesses. They play a crucial role in the judicial process by offering evidence based on their knowledge, observations, or experiences related to the case at hand. Witnesses can provide oral testimony in court, or they may submit written affidavits or declarations to support their statements. Their testimony is intended to establish facts that are relevant to the legal issues being decided.

The term "witness" specifically captures the formal role these individuals hold in court, distinguishing them from other related terms. For example, an affiant is someone who makes a sworn statement in an affidavit, while a declarant refers to a person who makes a declaration, which can sometimes be used in contexts outside of formal testimony. The term "testifier," though conceptually similar, is less commonly used in legal terminology. Therefore, the most accurate and widely recognized term for those who provide testimony in legal proceedings is indeed "witnesses."