What must be done if a material witness fails to appear at trial?

If a material witness fails to appear at trial, the correct course of action is to make an application for a material witness warrant. This is a legal mechanism designed specifically to ensure that individuals who are considered vital to the case can be compelled to appear and testify. Material witnesses are those whose testimony is deemed crucial, and their absence can significantly impact the proceedings. By obtaining a warrant, the court can take appropriate action to ensure the witness testifies, thus maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

This approach helps reinforce the necessity of witnesses in the trial, ensuring their appearances are secured, which ultimately supports the fairness and thoroughness of the trial. Other potential actions, such as issuing a contempt of court citation or adjourning the trial, may be considered in different contexts, but seeking a material witness warrant is the established procedure to specifically address the absence of a critical witness.