A person who provides testimony to establish the truth of a specific fact, often called upon by a legal body such as a court to recount observations they have made firsthand.
An individual who serves as a guarantor, affirming another person's character or identity, often taking responsibility for their actions or obligations.
A third party who is required by a legal institution to recount factual experiences they have witnessed or encountered, thereby contributing to the legal process.
In historical contexts, a person offered as a hostage by feudal lords to demonstrate loyalty to the ruling authority, symbolizing trust and allegiance.
Example:
彼らはその証人を買収しようとしたがだめだった。
A public official authorized to create official documents that serve as credible evidence in civil matters and to authenticate private documents through official certification.
An appointed civil servant with the responsibility of drafting notarized documents and validating signatures, ensuring legal compliance and integrity, typically operating from a designated office within a specific jurisdiction.
A legal professional, designated by the Minister of Justice, who verifies and certifies various types of documents, including those related to individual rights and corporate matters, after passing relevant qualification exams.
Example:
公正証書遺言の作成や秘密証書遺言には公証人が関与します。
A legal procedure in which individuals or organizations are required to appear before a parliamentary committee to provide testimony regarding government affairs, under the authority of national investigative rights.
An official demand for a person to give evidence or information, typically in a formal setting, where they are obligated to tell the truth after making a sworn statement, with penalties for noncompliance or perjury.
A mechanism by which legislative bodies call upon witnesses to contribute to inquiries, ensuring accountability and transparency within the government, involving the potential imposition of legal consequences for failure or falsehoods.
A formal inquiry process conducted by legislative committees that empowers them to call witnesses, seek clarification on matters of public interest, and enforce truthful testimony under oath.
Example:
証人喚問はとんだ騒ぎになってしまいました。
A person who agrees to be responsible for another individual's obligations or debts, ensuring that they will be fulfilled if the original party fails to do so.
An individual who provides a form of security or assurance for someone else's reliability, often required in financial agreements or legal contexts.
Someone who vouches for another person's character or ability to meet personal or financial commitments, effectively acting as a safety net for lenders or creditors.
Example:
父が私の借金の保証人になった。
A designated area in a courtroom where a person providing testimony is seated, allowing them to be clearly visible to the judge, jury, and other participants during a trial.
The location in a judicial setting that serves to elevate the witness, emphasizing their importance in the legal proceedings and ensuring their statements are heard distinctly.