Evidence to Convict?

[downbeatplumb]

[quote pid='1597668' dateline='1501964010']

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I would consider witness testimony a "vague claim" right until it is supported by evidence. especially when the testimony is about things that go against the usual way nature works.
My wife may say "I saw your friend down town today" and I may think this is likely as my friend has been known to visit the town BUT my wife has mistaken a man in a similar jacket for me so is not the most reliable witness. I would have to ask my friend if he was in town at the same time to verify it.

Witness testimony is not evidence on its own.

Yes, it can be vague.  But can also be specific.   What if she had talked to this friend and could verify that it definitely was him.
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You know what I would tend to believe her in that case, but its a mundane claim and I know her and trust her and I can verify it with my friend at a later date anyway. But if I don't know the witnesses, the claims are not mundane and there is no way to verify them then I would hold out for more.