What does "viva voce" mean in legal proceedings?

The term "viva voce" is derived from Latin, meaning "with living voice." In the context of legal proceedings, it refers specifically to oral testimony given by a witness in court rather than written evidence. This form of testimony allows for direct questioning and immediate response, which can be crucial for clarifying facts and assessing the credibility of the witness. Oral testimony facilitates a dynamic interaction that can convey nuances and emotions that might not be captured in a written statement. This is particularly important during trials where the live presentation of evidence is critical in influencing the judge's or jury's perspective.