What is a key characteristic that distinguishes a witness from other individuals in a legal case?

A key characteristic that distinguishes a witness from other individuals in a legal case is that a witness has firsthand knowledge of the incident in question. This means they have directly observed or experienced the event being discussed, providing them with relevant and credible information that can assist in the investigation or trial process. Their testimony is crucial as it can shed light on various aspects of the case, such as the circumstances surrounding the incident, the actions of those involved, or any relevant details that could impact the outcome.

In contrast, legal representation, familial relationships with the victim, or being accused of a crime do not inherently provide the same level of relevance or reliability concerning the specific details of the incident. While these factors may play roles in a legal case, they do not define the primary role of a witness, which is fundamentally about the direct, personal knowledge they bring to the legal proceedings.