3(1)On the trial of an issue or of a matter or question, or on an inquiry arising in any suit, action or proceeding in a court, the parties thereto and the persons in whose behalf the action, matter or proceeding is brought or instituted, or opposed or defended, and the spouses of such parties and persons, are, except as hereinafter excepted, competent and compellable to give evidence either viva voce or by deposition according to the practice of the court, on behalf of either or any of the parties to the action, matter or proceeding.

3(1)On the trial of an issue or of a matter or question, or on an inquiry arising in any suit, action or proceeding in a court, the parties thereto and the persons in whose behalf the action, matter or proceeding is brought or instituted, or opposed or defended, and the husbands and wives of such parties and persons, are, except as hereinafter excepted, competent and compellable to give evidence either viva voce or by deposition according to the practice of the court, on behalf of either or any of the parties to the action, matter or proceeding.