What is the definition of an eyewitness?

An eyewitness is defined as a person who directly observes an event. This means that an eyewitness has firsthand knowledge of what transpired, having been present during the event. This direct observation is crucial, especially in legal contexts, as eyewitness accounts can carry significant weight in investigations, testimonies, and court proceedings. An eyewitness can provide details about actions, behaviors, and circumstances that occurred, contributing to a more accurate and reliable understanding of the event.

In contrast, the other definitions provided are characterized by indirect knowledge or participation, which does not fulfill the criteria of an eyewitness. They do not actively witness the event firsthand, which is essential to the definition of an eyewitness.