When examining a witness about a prior statement, what must be shown to the adverse party on request?

When examining a witness about a prior statement, what must be shown to the adverse party on request?

• A. If a witness is examined about a prior statement, the contents must be shown to the adverse party on request.
• B. The contents must be shown to the witness on request.
• C. The contents must never be shown to the adverse party.
• D. The contents must be disclosed to the court only.

Answer: (A)

When a witness is questioned about a prior statement, the contents of that statement must be shown to the adverse party on request. This rule is about fairness in impeachment: it lets the opposing side verify exactly what was said, understand the wording, and prepare for cross-examination or credibility challenges. It prevents hidden or ambiguous phrasing from catching the other side off guard and ensures transparency in how the prior statement is used. The obligation is to disclose to the opposing party, not just to the witness or to the court, and it isn’t a prohibition on showing the contents at all.

When a witness is questioned about a prior statement, the contents of that statement must be shown to the adverse party on request. This rule is about fairness in impeachment: it lets the opposing side verify exactly what was said, understand the wording, and prepare for cross-examination or credibility challenges. It prevents hidden or ambiguous phrasing from catching the other side off guard and ensures transparency in how the prior statement is used. The obligation is to disclose to the opposing party, not just to the witness or to the court, and it isn’t a prohibition on showing the contents at all.