St. Isidore of Seville on the role and importance of witnesses

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the incredible character of St. Isidore of Seville and his teachings, especially in the context of the subject matter of witnesses in a trial, especially in its juridical and theological meaning. He was regarded as one of the most important scholars of Late Antiquity and the beginnings of Early Middle Ages. In his tireless scholarly and pastoral mission, referring to ancient cultural and scholarly tradition, he propagated the need for constant development of one’s knowledge and reason. He believed that human ignorance is the cause of many earthly and eternal misfortunes. In his treaties, addressed to legislators and rulers, he reminded them about the role of witnesses in a trial and the need to observe the ancient two-witness rule and consistent testimony as a guarantee of justice and truth.

Keywords

• St. Isidore of Seville
• witness
• number of witnesses
• witness testimony