What are witness fees?

Witness fees refer to the compensation provided to individuals who attend court proceedings to give testimony. These fees are paid to ensure that witnesses can reasonably cover any costs related to their time and involvement in the legal process. This compensation typically includes payment for travel expenses, time lost from work, or any other costs they may incur as a result of participating in the legal proceedings.

The purpose of witness fees is to encourage individuals to fulfill their civic duty of providing testimony, without suffering financial hardship as a result of attending court. This compensation is essential in maintaining the integrity of the judicial process by ensuring that all relevant information can be presented to the court without bias related to financial disparities among witnesses.

In this context, while expert witnesses may receive fees for their specialized knowledge, witness fees apply to a broader category of individuals summoned to testify in court, making it clear why the correct answer pertains specifically to compensation for any witnesses attending court proceedings.