King's evidence — Law Dictionary

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

Same as State’s evidence.

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

An accomplice in a felony, who, on an Implied promise of pardon if he fully and fairly discloses the truth, is admitted as evidence for the crown against his accomplices. 1 Phill. Ev. 81. A jury may, if they please, convict on the unsupported testimony of an accomplice; Tayl. Ev. 830; 4 Steph. Com. 398. On giving a full and fair confession of truth, the accomplice has a strong claim to a recommendation to mercy. He cannot be admitted to testify as king’s evidence after judgment against him; 2 Russ. Cr. 956. In the United States, this is known as state's evidence. See Accomplice.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

When several persons are charged with a crime, and one of them gives evidence against his accomplices, on the promise of being granted a pardon, he is said to be admitted king's or (in America) state's evidence. 4 Steph. Comm. 395; Sweet.

A Dictionary of Law

Henry Campbell Black · 1891

An accomplice in a felony, who, on an implied promise of pardon if he fully and fairly discloses the truth, is admitted as evidence for Lhe crown against his accomplices. 1 Phil. Ev. 31.