For whom is the witness fee applicable according to Georgia law?

The witness fee in Georgia law is applicable to all witnesses who appear in court. This encompasses both expert witnesses and lay witnesses, regardless of the nature of the trial—whether civil or criminal. The provision ensures that anyone who is called to testify and at the request of either party is compensated for their time and expenses associated with attending court. This promotes fairness in the judicial process by recognizing the contribution that all witnesses make in the pursuit of justice.

The concept of witness fees is rooted in the need to encourage individuals to participate in legal proceedings without suffering a financial burden for their cooperation. Therefore, any person who is summoned to provide testimony, barring certain exemptions, is entitled to receive a witness fee.