Zeugnisverweigerung
refusal to testify; assertion of right to silence as a witness
noun TSOYG-nis-fer-vy-ge-roong Rare
Usage Note
Zeugnisverweigerung is the legal right of certain witnesses — close relatives, professionals bound by confidentiality — to decline to give testimony. Unlike the defendant's Schweigerecht, it applies specifically to Zeugen (witnesses).
Examples
"Als Ehefrau machte sie von ihrem Recht auf Zeugnisverweigerung Gebrauch."
Natural Translation
As his wife, she exercised her right to refuse to testify.
Literal Translation
As wife she made of her right on testimony-refusal use.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
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