Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What does impeachment refer to during a testimony?

1. To dismiss a witness without explanation

2. To attack the credibility of a witness

3. A method to corroborate witness statements

4. A process of announcing a witness's death

The correct answer is: To attack the credibility of a witness

Impeachment during a testimony specifically refers to the process of attacking the credibility of a witness. This legal term is employed in court proceedings to challenge a witness's reliability, truthfulness, or relevance. By impeaching a witness, attorneys may introduce evidence or argument that questions the witness's character, prior statements, or potential biases, ultimately aiming to persuade the judge or jury to disregard or give less weight to that witness's testimony. Understanding this concept is crucial because credibility can significantly impact the outcome of a case. The process does not involve dismissing the witness outright, nor does it serve to corroborate their statements or declare a witness's death, which are unrelated to the principle of impeachment in legal settings. Consequently, impeachment aims at undermining the trustworthiness of a witness's assertions rather than confirming them.