Define “witness competency.”

Witness competency refers to the legal ability of a witness to provide evidence in court. This concept ensures that the individual has the mental capacity and legal standing to testify, which includes being able to understand the duty to speak the truth and being able to communicate their observations or experiences effectively.

For a witness to be deemed competent, they must typically be of a certain age and understand the nature of the oath or affirmation they make before testifying. Factors such as mental capacity or the presence of any disqualifying conditions (like being a party to the case in some instances) can affect this competency.

The other choices do not accurately capture the concept of witness competency. While the ability to provide expert testimony suggests a specialized skill or knowledge, it does not relate to the legal criteria for general witness competency. Credibility refers to the trustworthiness of a witness's testimony, which is assessed after competency is established. Willingness to appear in court is a separate issue altogether, as a witness may be competent but reluctant to testify. Thus, the focus on legal capability clearly establishes why the definition that focuses on a witness's legal ability to give evidence is the correct choice.