Terms Used In Florida Statutes 90.605

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • oath: includes affirmations. See Florida Statutes 1.01
  • Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
  • Testify: Answer questions in court.

(1) Before testifying, each witness shall declare that he or she will testify truthfully, by taking an oath or affirmation in substantially the following form: “Do you swear or affirm that the evidence you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” The witness’s answer shall be noted in the record.
(2) In the court’s discretion, a child may testify without taking the oath if the court determines the child understands the duty to tell the truth or the duty not to lie.