Which type of evidence can be used to impeach a witness?

Impeaching a witness refers to discrediting or challenging their credibility or reliability in a court of law. The use of evidence that contradicts witness statements is fundamental in this process. When a witness provides a statement, any evidence that directly challenges or contradicts that statement can serve to undermine the credibility of the witness.

This type of evidence can include contradictory witness testimony, discrepancies in the witness's previous statements, or physical evidence that disputes their claims. It signals to the judge or jury that the witness may not be a reliable source of information regarding the facts of the case. Consequently, using evidence that contradicts what a witness has stated is a direct method for impeachment, making it a crucial aspect of court proceedings and legal strategy.

In contrast, while character references or testimony from unrelated parties may provide context or support, they do not directly impeach the credibility of the witness’s specific statements regarding the case at hand. Similarly, previous convictions that are unrelated to the current case do not serve to impeach the credibility of a witness on the matter being tried, as they do not provide relevant contradictions to the witness's current statements.