When are witnesses called to testify during a lawsuit?

Witnesses are fundamentally integral to the trial phase of a lawsuit, as they provide testimony that can support or refute the claims made by either party. This phase is where evidence is formally presented in court and witnesses have the opportunity to share their accounts, insights, or specialized knowledge relevant to the case being heard by the judge or jury. Their testimony can be pivotal in establishing facts, credibility, and overall outcomes.

During depositions, witnesses may provide their statements under oath, but this occurs before the trial phase and is primarily used for gathering evidence rather than for presenting it in court. Meanwhile, the appeals phase involves reviewing the trial's procedures and decisions for potential errors; witnesses typically do not testify again during this stage. Pretrial motions focus on legal arguments and procedural matters before the trial begins and do not involve witness testimony.

Therefore, calling witnesses to testify is specifically associated with the trial phase, where their role is crucial in influencing the case's direction and outcome.