Which statement best describes the general rule about competence to be a witness?

Which statement best describes the general rule about competence to be a witness?

• A. Every person is competent to be a witness
• B. Only licensed professionals are competent to testify
• C. Competence requires passing a formal exam
• D. A person must be at least 21 years old to testify

Answer: (A)

Competence to testify is the default status: everyone is capable of testifying unless a specific rule says otherwise. The general rule reflects a presumption that a person who can observe, recall, and narrate what they perceived is competent to tell the truth in court. That's why the statement that every person is competent best describes the rule—there's no blanket requirement that you be a licensed professional, pass a formal exam, or meet a certain age. Those kinds of limits only come into play as disqualifications or capacity issues, not as part of the general rule. A child, for example, can testify if they understand the oath and can recount events, reinforcing that competence is not tied to age or professional status.

Competence to testify is the default status: everyone is capable of testifying unless a specific rule says otherwise. The general rule reflects a presumption that a person who can observe, recall, and narrate what they perceived is competent to tell the truth in court. That's why the statement that every person is competent best describes the rule—there's no blanket requirement that you be a licensed professional, pass a formal exam, or meet a certain age. Those kinds of limits only come into play as disqualifications or capacity issues, not as part of the general rule. A child, for example, can testify if they understand the oath and can recount events, reinforcing that competence is not tied to age or professional status.