The assessment considers demeanor, consistency, bias, corroboration, and the witness's ability to explain unfavorable facts. It informs deposition strategy, settlement evaluation, and trial planning.
Video deposition review supports the assessment.
Alternative Names:
Credibility Evaluation|Witness Assessment
Why it Matters?
Video review reveals presentation problems that transcripts conceal, and a witness whose written answers appear adequate may present as evasive or hostile in a way that damages the case substantially. Assessing the defendant's own key witnesses honestly is what informs realistic evaluation, since counsel are frequently more optimistic about their witnesses than juries prove to be. Preparation can address some deficiencies but not fundamental presentation problems.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Why review video rather than transcripts?
What should the assessment address honestly?
