Question
Here is the question : A WITNESS IS CALLED “HOSTILE” WHEN WHAT HAPPENS?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- They provide contradicting info
- They leave the stand unannounced
- They refuse to stand up
- They ask for recess
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
During the course of a trial, attorneys typically aren’t permitted to ask leading questions of the yes-or-no variety. However, if a witness delivers contradictory information that has already been established through earlier statements, then a counsel — who may conceivably feel that a witness has been intimidated — can ask the judge to treat the witness as ‘hostile.’ After this, an attorney is in a position to re-establish the known facts of a case by asking yes-or-no questions to the witness.
In the legal system, a witness is considered “hostile” when they provide contradicting information or are uncooperative during the course of a trial. This designation can have significant implications for both the witness and the case at hand.
When a witness is deemed “hostile,” it means that they are not providing the expected or desired testimony. This can include refusing to answer questions, providing evasive answers, or contradicting their prior statements. Essentially, the witness is acting in a way that is unhelpful to the party that called them to testify.
In some cases, a witness may be declared hostile by the judge based on their behavior during cross-examination. The opposing attorney may then be permitted to ask leading questions, which are questions that suggest the desired answer. This is typically not allowed during direct examination, where questions must be open-ended and impartial.
The purpose of designating a witness as hostile is to try to elicit more truthful and accurate testimony. The opposing attorney may be attempting to challenge the witness’s credibility or to uncover information that was not previously known.
However, designating a witness as hostile can also have negative consequences. It can make the witness defensive or combative, which can further damage their credibility. It can also create a tense and difficult atmosphere in the courtroom, which can impact the jury’s perception of the case.
Ultimately, the decision to declare a witness as hostile is up to the judge. They will consider the circumstances of the case and the behavior of the witness before making a determination. It is important for all parties involved to maintain professionalism and respect for the legal process, even in the face of difficult or challenging testimony.
the designation of a witness as “hostile” is a significant event in a trial. It indicates that the witness is providing contradicting information or is uncooperative, which can have significant implications for the case at hand. While it is a tool that can be used to elicit more accurate testimony, it can also create tension and difficulty in the courtroom. Ultimately, it is up to the judge to make the determination and to ensure that the legal process remains fair and impartial.