In criminal cases, certain evidences are referred as Oral Evidence. They can be also described as Word of Mouth Evidence.
Witnesses speak before police about who committed what crime. Police reduces these words in writing as statements of witnesses.
Then witnesses speak before court, who committed what offences. The Court reduces such words in writing as depositions of witnesses.
The lawyers then question the witnesses to find out if they are lying. Their replies are also reduced to writing as cross examinations of witnesses.
All these are words of mouth evidences. Judge and lawyers discuss these evidence about which part is reliable and which is not.
Then the Judgement comes. Many convictions are based only on words of mouth stated on oath before court or before a Magistrate.
Haresh Raichura
22/5/13
