What does the term "testimony" refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, "testimony" specifically refers to a formal statement or declaration made by a witness, typically during a trial or legal proceeding. This statement is given under oath, and it serves as evidence to help establish the facts of a case. Testimony is crucial in legal proceedings because it provides firsthand accounts and observations related to the case, which juries and judges consider when making their decisions.

The other options describe different aspects of legal processes but do not capture the precise definition of testimony. A document outlining the details of a case pertains to legal briefs or case files rather than witness statements. An informal discussion among witnesses does not meet the formal criteria of testimony, as it lacks the structured, sworn format required in court. A declaration made by a judge involves judicial authority and ruling, rather than the personal accounts of witnesses. Thus, the definition of testimony as a formal statement given by a witness is the most accurate in this context.