What is the purpose of impeachment of a witness in criminal proceedings?
The purpose of impeaching a witness in criminal proceedings in Indiana is to question their credibility. Impeaching a witness occurs when one party challenges the truthfulness of what a witness has said in a trial. This challenge can be done by demonstrating inconsistencies between what was previously said by the witness or even by showing proof the witness has lied or committed a crime in the past. Impeaching a witness is a powerful tool that helps the lawyer defending a client by attacking the reliability of a witness’s testimony. It can also be used to expose lies or an untrustworthy character. For example, if the witness may be a convicted felon, the defense attorney can bring this information up to make the jury question the credibility of the witness. In addition, if the witness has previously made a statement in the case that is shown to be false, the defense attorney can use this to discredit the witness. Finally, impeaching a witness is important for criminal proceedings as it helps the jury find the truth in cases where there is conflicting evidence or testimony. It allows each side to present the facts accurately and bring out relevant evidence. Ultimately, impeaching a witness is a crucial tool in criminal proceedings as it helps the jury to stay informed and make better decisions in determining a verdict.
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