In civil proceedings, the parties to the suit and their spouses are generally competent witnesses to testify.

The notes state that parties to civil proceedings and, invariably, their spouses are competent witnesses. This statement addresses competency; it should not be treated as a general rule that every such witness is necessarily compellable in every circumstance. **Key takeaway:** Civil-party competency is recognized, while compellability remains a separate question. **Glossary:** Civil suit: a court proceeding resolving a civil dispute.