Evidence: Testimonial Evidence: Witnesses: Impeachment: Contradiction

• Contradiction – a witness may be impeached on cross-examination by showing that she made a mistake or lied about any fact she testified to during direct examination.

• If the contradiction goes to an issue that is significant to the case, it may be proven by extrinsic evidence
• If the contradiction goes to a matter that is collateral (insignificant), then proof is limited to intrinsic evidence—and the cross examiner is stuck with the witness’s answer.