Refreshing The Memory
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Abbott (1879)
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
To revive the knowledge of a subject by having a reference to something connected with it. As to witnesses, see Memorandum.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
The act of a witness who consults his documents, memoranda, or books, to bring more distinctly to his recollection the details of past events or transactions, concerning which he is testifying.
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence
Benjamin Vaughan Abbott · 1879
Is spoken of the act of a witness who, having forgotten details of the matter as to which he is testifying, consults his documents, memoranda, or books to bring the facts more distinctly to his recollection. This is allowable, within limits; provided the witness, after examination of the record, can swear from memory, — not merely by restating the record.