|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
turning Queen's evidence
|
|
or King's evidence Used of someone, accused of a crime, who gives evidence against his accomplices in return for leniency. The phrase relates to the fact that any criminal case is brought by the crown and is described in terms of Regina (or Rex) versus Smith (Latin for the Queen, or King, against Smith).
|
|
|
|