from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
CREDIBLE WITNESS. A credible witness is one who is competent to give
evidence, and is worthy of belief. 5 Mass. 219 17 Pick. 134; 2 Curt. Ecc. R.
336. In deciding upon the credibility of a witness, it is always pertinent
to consider whether he is capable of knowing the thing thoroughly about
which he testifies. 2. Whether he was actually present at the transaction.
3. Whether he paid, sufficient attention to qualify himself to be a reporter
of it; and 4. Whether he honestly relates the affair fully as he knows it,
without any purpose or desire to deceive, or suppress or add to the truth.
2. In some of the states, as Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Rhode
Island, Vermont, and Virginia, wills must be attested by credible witnesses.
See Attesting Witness; Competent Witness; Disinterested Witness; Respectable
Witness; and Witness.