king's evidence
LowFormal, Legal, Historical
Definition
Meaning
Testimony given by an accomplice or co-defendant against their partners in crime, in exchange for immunity or a reduced sentence.
More broadly, it refers to the act of a criminal turning informant against their associates. The term is rooted in the concept of evidence given for the Crown (the state).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a fixed legal term. It specifically implies a formal agreement with prosecutors and carries connotations of betrayal within a criminal group. The modern equivalent is more commonly 'turning state's evidence' (US) or 'Queen's evidence' (UK, under a queen).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In modern British English, 'Queen's evidence' is used when the monarch is female; 'King's evidence' is historical or used under a king. In American English, the standard term is 'state's evidence'.
Connotations
Both carry the same legal meaning and connotations of betrayal for leniency. 'King's/Queen's evidence' may sound more formal or archaic.
Frequency
'State's evidence' is far more common in contemporary American usage. 'King's/Queen's evidence' remains the standard formal term in UK/commonwealth legal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Defendant] turned King's evidence against [co-conspirator].The prosecution offered a deal if he would give King's evidence.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To turn King's evidence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, criminological, or legal studies discussing judicial procedure and plea bargaining.
Everyday
Very rare; might appear in historical dramas, crime novels, or news reports about major trials.
Technical
Core term in legal contexts, specifically criminal law, relating to witness testimony and prosecution agreements.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was persuaded to turn King's evidence.
- The gang member has reportedly turned King's evidence.
American English
- The defendant turned state's evidence to avoid a life sentence.
- They hoped one of the conspirators would turn state's evidence.
adjective
British English
- The King's evidence witness was placed under protection.
- They discussed a King's evidence deal.
American English
- The state's evidence agreement was signed yesterday.
- He entered a state's evidence arrangement.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable for this low-frequency, technical term at A2 level.)
- In the film, the criminal turned King's evidence and helped the police.
- The lawyer said they had a witness who would give King's evidence.
- Facing a lengthy sentence, one of the robbers decided to turn King's evidence against the gang's leader.
- The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of an accomplice who had turned Queen's evidence.
- The legal principle behind turning King's evidence is utilitarianism: sacrificing a minor criminal to convict a more dangerous one.
- His decision to give King's evidence, while securing his own freedom, made him a pariah in the criminal underworld.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chess game: the 'king' (the state) captures a pawn (a criminal), who then points out the other pieces (accomplices) on the board.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A MONARCH (The Crown prosecutes). BETRAYAL IS A TURN (to turn evidence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation like 'королевские доказательства'. This is not evidence belonging to a king/queen. The correct conceptual translation is 'свидетельские показания сообщника (в обмен на смягчение приговора)' or 'дать показания против соучастников'.
- Do not confuse with 'circumstantial evidence' (улики).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'King's evidence' to refer to any important evidence (e.g., 'The fingerprints were the king's evidence').
- Saying 'He gave a King's evidence' (article error; it's uncountable in this fixed phrase).
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean if a defendant 'turns King's evidence'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in essence. 'King's evidence' (or 'Queen's evidence') is the UK/commonwealth term, while 'state's evidence' is the American equivalent. Both refer to an accomplice testifying for the prosecution.
Both collocations are correct. 'To turn King's evidence' emphasizes the decision and change of allegiance. 'To give King's evidence' focuses on the act of providing testimony.
Not necessarily. They are typically offered immunity from prosecution or a significantly reduced sentence, but the exact terms depend on the deal struck with prosecutors.
It originates from English common law, where criminal prosecutions were brought in the name of the reigning monarch (the Crown). The evidence is given for the Crown's case against other defendants.