hostile witness

Noun

Meaning

a witness whose relationship to the opposing party is such that his or her testimony may be prejudiced against the opposing party

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Examples

a hostile witness can be asked leading questions and cross-examined Source: Internet

Attorneys can influence a hostile witness' responses by using Gestalt psychology to influence the way the witness perceives the situation, and utility theory to understand their likely responses. Source: Internet

As the rule recognizes, the examination of a "hostile witness, an adverse party, or a witness identified with an adverse party" will sometimes take place on direct examination, and leading questions are permitted. Source: Internet

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