When can former testimony be admitted in court?

Former testimony can be admitted in court primarily when the witness is unable to attend court. This principle upholds the notion that if a witness has provided testimony under oath in previous proceedings, and they are now unable to be present for the trial—due to reasons such as illness, death, or other circumstances—the court allows their earlier statements to be used. This is rooted in the legal principle of preserving the integrity of evidence and ensuring that relevant information does not become inaccessible simply due to a witness's unavailability.

This practice ensures that the judicial process can still access important information that could influence the outcome of the case. By allowing former testimony to be admitted when a witness cannot attend, the court strives to maintain fairness and a thorough examination of all relevant evidence even in challenging situations where a witness cannot physically appear.