Turn King's evidence

Suggest a Correction

Meaning

Give evidence for the prosecution against one's alleged accomplices, usually in hope of leniency. Legal and sometimes figurative. In 2026 the UK form is 'King's evidence'; historical periods under a queen require 'Queen's evidence.' Regional use: United Kingdom and Commonwealth legal English.

Origin

At common law, an accused participant could become an approver or Crown witness by confessing and implicating accomplices. 'King's evidence' and 'Queen's evidence' change with the reigning monarch; the equivalent American expression is 'turn state's evidence.' The bargain does not guarantee immunity and historically made such testimony suspect because the witness had a strong personal incentive.

Research Sources

  1. Turn King's evidence Merriam-Webster
  2. King's evidence Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Variants

  • Turn Queen's evidence
  • King's evidence

Usage Examples

  • The youngest smuggler turned King's evidence and named the warehouse keeper.
  • She refused to turn Queen's evidence merely on a vague promise of mercy.
  • Once their driver gave King's evidence, the whole conspiracy began to unravel.

Keep Exploring

Browse all phrases