a witness in a trial who testifies to the accused's general good character rather than providing evidence about the specific offence which has led to him or her being on trial
character witness in American English
noun
a person who testifies as to the moral character and reputation of a litigant in a court of law or other legal proceeding
Word origin
[1950–55]This word is first recorded in the period 1950–55. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: action painting, allograph, hot line, point spread, speech recognition
Examples of 'character witness' in a sentence
character witness
Other officials are said to be willing to provide character-witness statements backing the referee.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
If your case goes to court, a good character witness and the fact you have no previous convictions will go in your favour.
The Sun (2013)
She even invites the police round to tell them her side of the story and agrees to be a character witness for the prosecution.
The Sun (2012)
I guess it's hard to be a character witness for him because he does come with baggage.
The Sun (2011)
She was a character witness for the prosecution at the unrelated court case in the final episode.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
King explains, 'somewhat naively, she thought that guaranteeing a loan was like being a character witness', but her solicitor soon disabused her.
The Times Literary Supplement (2016)
He was accompanied by five friends who appeared as character witnesses.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Four further character witnesses are due to speak up for the doctor.
The Sun (2011)
There was also a problem in conducting interviews with the character witnesses.