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Other than the victim themselves, they are usually the most important witness in the tiral. They are placed under oath and put on the witness stand and quizzed about what they saw. They ARE subject to cross-examination by the other side, in an effort to "shake" their testimony or recollection o fthe event.

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14y ago
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14y ago

Witness's WRITTEN statements are used in the investigation by law enforcement to build enough "probable cause" to make an arrest, or eliminate suspects, or close the case. Witness's VERBAL statements are used in court to either help convict the defendant, or assist the defense in clearing the defendant. Occasionally witness's written statements are used against them later to "impeach" their verbal statements made in court when the two versions contradict one another.

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Q: How are witness statements used?
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Do witness statements fall in place with facts in a court case?

Witness statements (usually given to the police during the investigation stage) are used to build the case against the defendant. The actual witnesses, themselves, will be subpoeanad to court and will testify in person. While on the stand both the prosecution and the defense will have the opportunity to question them, as well as refer to the original statements they made to the police.


A sentence for primary source?

The primary source of information was from witness statements.


What course of action should an officer take when recording witness statements in a police report?

Use direct quotes from the witness.


Can a warrant be file by a witness?

A "warrant' Is a legal document used by law enforcement to to apply to the court for a specific reason (arrest - search - seizure - etc). Witnesses STATEMENTS can be used in the wording of the warrant but a non-law enforcement witness cannot, by themselves, apply for a warrant.


Can a witness be punished for changing statement continuously?

No, you cannot.Only against the cops, you can change the statements before the Magistrate if you can prove that your statements recorded were under threat and torture by the police.Added: You can if you wish to. However, depending on whose behalf you are testifying, either the prosecution or the defense will use your changed statements to impeach your veracity thus throwing doubt on your entire testimony.


Can a false statement be used in court?

False statements are often used in court, primarily to impeach testimony of a witness by shedding doubt upon his or her verisimilitude. ("if he were willing to lie then, he may be willing to lie now...")


Can a witness who has been convicted of a crime cannot testify in a criminal case?

Yes, a witness can be convicted, if the offence of perjury is proved against him. Perjury is the offense of knowingly making untrue statements, by a witness, when he is testifying. The punishment may extend to fine or imprisonment or both, it depends on the law of the land. But generally, a witness is not tried for perjury, unless his statements are absolutely false and has a devastating effect on the case. It is also pertinent to mention that if the witness has submitted something, believing it to be true, but afterwards it is proved to be false, then no charge of perjury lies against the witness. Perjury lies attracted only when the witness has submitted some false statements deliberately and intentionally. it does not need an establishment of mens rea (mental intention) showing the inclination of the witness to either of the parties to the litigation.


If a so call witness picks you out in a lineup but the statement he makes are not facts to the case can he be a good witness?

This would depend on whether the witness was capable of making a valid identification. If the witness made statements that were inconsistent with the facts of the case, the witness could be impeached (found to be untruthful) at trial or not called as a witness at all, invalidating the lineup identification.


What happens if there is no victim statement for evidence?

The case would have to rely on physical evidence (if any), and/or witness statements.


What is the plural possessive of the word witness?

The plural form of the noun witness is witnesses.The plural possessive form is witnesses'.example: All of the witnesses' statements were added to the police report.


How can a police office write a report of an accident he did not witness?

The only way a police office can write a report of an accident he did not witness is to take statements from people that did witness the accident. He can also look at the accident and determine how it most likely occurred.


Did the police take witness statements on boscastle flood?

no because it is classed as a non police disaster unlike a shooting so no statements were taken by them however maybe a few by news reporters.