Evidence: Testimonial Evidence: Witnesses: Impeachment Methods

  • Impeachment Methods: A witness may be impeached either by cross-examination or by extrinsic evidence. Certain grounds for impeachment require that a foundation be laid during cross-examination before extrinsic evidence can be introduced. Other grounds allow impeachment to be accomplished only be cross-examination and not extrinsic evidence. The methods of impeachment include:
          • Prior inconsistent statement
          • Bias, interest, or motive to misrepresent
          • Sensory deficiencies
          • Reputation or opinion
          • Criminal Convictions
          • Bad Acts (without conviction)
          • Contradiction