Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 621-5

  • 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.
  • Liabilities: The aggregate of all debts and other legal obligations of a particular person or legal entity.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

On the trial of any issue, matter or question, or on an inquiry arising in any action or proceeding in any court or before any person having authority to hear, receive, and examine evidence, any person who happens to be present, and who by virtue of this chapter is competent to give evidence may be called and required to give evidence and to produce any document. If any such person when called and required as aforesaid, does not appear and give evidence and, if then able so to do, produce the document, the person shall be subject to the same proceedings and liabilities as if the person had been duly served with a writ of subpoena ad testificandum or duces tecum.