What is required for a witness to be considered material to a case under the Darville test?

To determine whether a witness is material to a case under the Darville test, the key factor is that the witness must have relevant knowledge about the case. This means that the witness possesses information that could help to clarify facts, support one side's narrative, or contribute to the overall understanding of the evidence in the case.

Relevant knowledge refers to any information that pertains directly to the matters in question, which could include firsthand observations, expert insights, or other pertinent details that aid the court in making an informed decision. The materiality of the witness's testimony hinges on its potential impact on the case's outcome.

The other options fail to adequately address the requirements of materiality in the same way. Being a close relative does not automatically confer relevance or expertise regarding the case at hand. Character references may provide insight into a person's character but do not directly relate to the factual basis of a case unless it pertains to the specific charges or defenses being asserted. Lastly, a witness's presence during the crime could indicate firsthand knowledge, but it is not a strict requirement for materiality since relevant knowledge can also be gathered through secondhand accounts or other forms of evidence. Thus, the primary criterion remains the witness's relevant knowledge about the case itself.