Bystanders
/ˈbɪstændərz/
Definitions
- (n.) Individuals who are present at an event or incident but are not directly involved in it.
The bystanders witnessed the accident but did not intervene.
- (n.) Persons present at the scene of a crime or emergency who may be called upon to provide testimony or assistance.
Several bystanders gave statements to the police about what they saw.
Forms
- bystander
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, bystanders are distinguished from witnesses and participants; their presence may have evidentiary or liability implications, especially under laws like the Good Samaritan statute.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.