impeachment

Definition

Attacking a witness's credibility during trial, not the political process of removing presidents (though both involve making someone look bad under questioning). It's the art of making a jury doubt everything a witness says.

Example Usage

The defense attorney impeached the witness using his prior inconsistent statements from the deposition.

Origin

From Latin 'impetere' meaning 'to attack' or 'to accuse'

Fun Fact

You can impeach your own witness if they surprise you with unexpected testimony—it's called 'vouching,' and it's every trial attorney's nightmare scenario.

Source: Common trial practice terminology

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