The term "viva voce" is derived from Latin, meaning "by voice." In a legal context, it refers to oral evidence presented in court by a witness. This type of testimony is delivered verbally, as opposed to being submitted in written form. Additionally, in parliamentary procedure, a viva voce vote is a method where members express their votes orally rather than through a written ballot.
Viva voce is commonly used in various legal settings, including:
Users can manage related legal processes using templates from US Legal Forms, which provide resources for drafting necessary documents and understanding procedures.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples of viva voce in practice:
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Viva Voce Voting Rules |
|---|---|
| California | Viva voce voting is standard for most legislative decisions. |
| Texas | Oral votes are permitted but must be recorded in the official minutes. |
| Florida | Viva voce votes are used in committee meetings, with specific recording requirements. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Viva Voce | Oral testimony or voting. | Distinct from written evidence or ballots. |
| Affidavit | Written statement confirmed by oath. | Affidavits are written, while viva voce is oral. |
| Ballot Vote | Voting method using written ballots. | Ballot votes are anonymous, while viva voce is public. |
If you find yourself needing to provide viva voce testimony or participate in a viva voce vote, consider the following steps:
