Testimony is a statement made in a legal proceeding or legislative hearing by a witness while under oath. A witness who provides false testimony is guilty of perjury and may be punished by incarceration. Testimony is one type of evidence, as distinguished from writings, videotapes, and other forms of evidence.
Rules of evidence are applicable to testimony. Some witnesses, such as expert witnesses, may be paid for their testimony, but evidence of the professional nature of their services may be introduced for purposes of credibility. Payment for providing false testimony is a crime called subornation of perjury.
