Impeachment
Methods
Bolstering
Generally must wait until W is impeached (Rehabilitation)
Exceptions:
Timely complaint
Prior identification (also admissible as substantive evidence that identification was correct – 801(d)(1)(C))
Show W’s propensity for dishonesty (character trait)
Show W is biased or has interest in case
Attack W’s testimonial qualities
Ability to observe (perceive)
Ability to remember
Ability to relay accurately (narrate)
Understanding of duty to tell truth
Show prior inconsistent statement (FRE 613)
Contradict W’s testimony through other evidence
Consequences when evidence is admissible only to impeach
Because it’s not substantive evidence, it does not count toward the proponent’s burden of production or persuasion
Doesn’t go into judge’s analysis in summary judgments (can’t judge credibility)
Cannot be used as proof of disputed fact (besides witness’s credibility)
Opponent can object under 403.
Opponent can also get limiting instruction.
Collateral matters
Not allowed
Policy: confusion of issues, undue consumption of time
Impeaching Hearsay Declarant: FRE 806
Any evidence that would be admissible if declarant was W is also admissible against hearsay declarant
FRE 608 – non convictions
608(a) = Reputation and Opinion
only on character traits relevant to truthfulness
most states don’t allow opinion evidence, but FRE does
OPENS DOOR TO SPECIFIC ACTS (608(b)(2)): when W offers opinion/reputation, W may be cross-x’d on specific acts probative of truthfulness that impeached party may have committed.
Purpose: to test the basis for the character witness’s reputation/opinion testimony
May use to rehabilitatie only after OP has attacked W’s character for truthfulness
608(b) = specific acts of W (non-convictions)
Only permitted on Cross-X to…
Establish W’s character for truthfulness/untruthfulness
Establish W2’s character for truthfulness/untruthfulness (as long as W impeached W2)
Factors
Must relate to truthfulness
Inquiry must be based on good faith/reasonableness
Subject to 403 exclusion
Bound by W’s answer (no extrinsic evidence)
FRE 609 – Convictions (arrest is not enough)
If more than 10 years have passed…
Generally not admitted, too remote
Reverse 403
Note: Time limitation runs from date of conviction or date of release, whichever is most recent
If less than 10 years…
609(a)(1): Crime must be punishable by death or by over a year in prison and must satisfy balancing test
Balancing test for all Ws except crim D: 403
Balancing test for Ws that are crim Ds: reverse 403
609(a)(2): Crimen falsei: automatically admitted, regardless of punishment and balancing test.
Crimen Falsi – usually statutory elements will indicate whether a showing of such a dishonest act was required to convict
Not admissible if…
Conviction has been subject of: pardon, annulment, certificate of rehab, other equivalent procedure based on finding that the person has been rehabilitated
Juvenile convictions admissible if…
Offered in criminal case
Adjudication was of a witness other than the D
An adult’s convictions for that offense would be admissible to attack the adult’s credibility, and
Admitting the evidence is necessary to fairly determine guilt or innocence
Conviction is admissible even if an appeal is pending. Evidence of the pendency is also admissible.
California Distinction
CEC 788 (DON’T NEED TO KNOW)
W’s credibility may be attacked by evidence that he has been convicted of any felony, not just crimen falsi
Beagle:
Balancing factors of Beagle
Courts should consider how prior conviction
Reflects on honesty
Near/remote in time
For safe or similar conduct as charged
Adverse effect of admission on D’s willingness to testify
No different test for old convictions
FRE 613: Prior Inconsistent Statements
Admissible only if W is given opportunity to explain/deny the statement and adverse party is given an opportunity to examine the W about it
BUT this foundation requirement may be dispensed with if “the interests of justice otherwise require.”
Must give notice to OP if asked
403 balancing test applies
California distinction
CEC 1235 (prior inconsistent statements)
Inconsistent statement can be used as substantive evidence if the statement is otherwise admissible under Section 770
(A party can introduce inconsistent statement of his own witness whether or not the witness gave damaging testimony and whether or not the party was surprised by the testimony.)
Policy: the dangers that the hearsay rule is meant to protect against are not present because…
Declarant is in court
Declarant may be cross examined
PIS is more likely to be true because it was made nearer in time to the matter to which it relates
The trier of fact can observe the demeanor of the declarant
Sanchez – hearsay statement of W inconsistent with W’s testimony (“he’s going to die tomorrow”). The entire charge hinges on this statement, b/c if it is admitted for it’s truth, D will be charged with conspiracy/gang membership/A&A murder. Difference between 50 years and no jail time.
Bias and Contradiction (Wigmore)
Foundation:
W must first be asked about facts that show bias/interest
If W admits facts claimed, Judge might not allow in further extrinsic proof
Admissibility governed by 401, 402 and 403.
Types
Bias
Covers all varieties of hostility or prejudice against the opponent personally or of favor to the proponent personally
Ex: family relationship with one of the parties
Extrinsic evidence okay
Interest
Specific inclination which is apt to be produced by the relation between the W and the cause at issue in the litigation
Ex: expectation of favorable treatment from prosecutor or sentencing judge in return for the testimony
Extrinsic evidence okay
Corruption
Conscious false intent which is inferable from giving or taking a bribe or from expressions of a general unscrupulousness for the case at hand
Ex: attempt to bribe another W or the receipt of money for testimony
Extrinsic evidence ok
Contradiction
Serves primarily as substantive evidence, and secondarily as impeachment evidence
No codified rules
Courts recognize it’s OK b/c relevant
Can enter this evidence either through witness, or through extrinsic
If evidence is directly relevant to issues in litigations”
Can be introduced for substantive value
Impeachment value is secondary
If evidence logically undermines a witness’s story, it may be collateral
Factors of collateralness
Facts not relevant to substantive...