Impeachment methods include prior inconsistent statements, bias or interest, defects in perception or memory, contradiction by other evidence, character for untruthfulness, and certain criminal convictions.
Extrinsic evidence rules limit some methods.
Alternative Names:
Trial Impeachment, Witness Impeachment
Why it Matters?
Bias is the most effective and least restricted impeachment method, since it requires no foundation predicate and extrinsic evidence is permitted, unlike character impeachment which is confined to reputation and opinion with no extrinsic proof of specific acts. Compensation, relationship to a party, and prior consistent litigation positions all establish bias. Leading with it is frequently stronger than a technical inconsistency the jury may find trivial.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Which impeachment method is least restricted?
What establishes bias?
