Who may attack a witness's credibility?

Who may attack a witness's credibility?

• A. Any party, including the party that called the witness
• B. Only the opposing party
• C. Only the judge may attack credibility
• D. The jury may attack credibility only after deliberations

Answer: (A)

Any party may attack a witness's credibility. The purpose of impeachment is to test the truthfulness of testimony, using cross-examination or evidence about bias, prior inconsistent statements, or a reputation for dishonesty. This includes the party who called the witness, who may impeach their own witness if needed to prevent misleading the jury. The judge handles rulings on admissibility, but credibility is ultimately weighed by the jury as the trial unfolds, not reserved only for post-deliberation.

Any party may attack a witness's credibility. The purpose of impeachment is to test the truthfulness of testimony, using cross-examination or evidence about bias, prior inconsistent statements, or a reputation for dishonesty. This includes the party who called the witness, who may impeach their own witness if needed to prevent misleading the jury. The judge handles rulings on admissibility, but credibility is ultimately weighed by the jury as the trial unfolds, not reserved only for post-deliberation.