What is testimony?

Testimony is defined as the evidence provided by a witness who is under oath, typically during legal proceedings such as trials or depositions. This evidence is crucial because it can directly influence the outcomes of cases by providing firsthand accounts, observations, or expert opinions that contribute to the understanding of the facts. Testimony assumes a critical role in the judicial process, as it is considered a reliable means of presenting information in court, given that the witness has sworn to tell the truth.

In a legal context, the other choices do not encapsulate the essence of testimony. Serving a summons refers to the act of notifying an individual of legal action being taken against them, while a summary court decision is more about a ruling than individual accounts of events. An ownership agreement in property pertains to the legal rights surrounding ownership and does not relate to the concept of providing evidence in court settings. Thus, the choice identifying testimony as evidence given by a witness under oath is the most accurate representation of the term.