Macon County Law Enforcement Center (MCLC) Comprehensive State Practice Exam

What is the purpose of impeaching a witness?

1. To confirm their statements

2. To discredit the witness

3. To enhance their credibility

4. To provide additional evidence

The correct answer is: To discredit the witness

Impeaching a witness is a fundamental legal process primarily aimed at discrediting that witness's testimony. This procedure is utilized during legal proceedings to challenge the reliability and truthfulness of a witness, which can significantly affect the weight of their testimony in the eyes of the judge or jury. When a witness's credibility is undermined, it raises doubts about the authenticity of their statements, potentially influencing the outcome of the case. Various methods can be employed for impeachment, such as presenting contradictory evidence, revealing prior inconsistent statements, or highlighting biases or motives that may affect the witness's reliability. In contrast, confirming a witness's statements, enhancing their credibility, or providing additional evidence are not purposes of impeachment, as they do not align with the primary goal of challenging the trustworthiness of a witness's account. These are actions that would instead reinforce the witness's testimony rather than question it.