Eidim Who Are Esteemed and Talmidei Chachamim

Talmid chacham - L’chatchilah, one should choose the most esteemed and righteous respected community members as eidim, as they are certainly kosher (Maharam Mintz, siman 109; Siddur Derech HaChaim). They should also be talmidei chachamim, who are assumed kosher for eidus until proven otherwise. In contrast, an am ha’aretz is assumed posul unless it is known that he goes on the proper path (Shulchan Aruch, 34:17).

Ben Torah - Similarly, l’chatchilah one should choose for eidei kiddushin and nisu’in, bnei Torah who learn Torah all day; minimize involvement with the world outside; and do not have devices forbidden by the chachamim and poskim of the generation.