A Prosecuting Attorney Is Uncertain Whether Her Eyewitness Will Seem

question 107

Multiple Choice

A prosecuting attorney is uncertain whether her eyewitness will seem credible to the jury. The eyewitness's testimony could help win a conviction, but the witness might be discredited by the defense attorney. What advice should the prosecutor accept?

• A) Put the eyewitness on the stand, since even a discredited eyewitness is more convincing than no eyewitness at all.
• B) Do not put the eyewitness on the stand, since a discredited eyewitness is worse than no eyewitness at all.
• C) Put the eyewitness on the stand but admit your reservations about the credibility of the eyewitness before the defense attorney raises the issue.
• D) Put the eyewitness on the stand only if he or she is attractive and similar to the jurors.

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Definitions:

Common Law

A legal system based on court precedents and customs, rather than codified written laws.

Civil Law

The system of law concerned with private relations between members of a community rather than criminal, military, or religious affairs.

Parliamentary Supremacy

The principle that Parliament has the highest legal authority within a jurisdiction, making laws that are not subject to judicial review or limitation by other bodies.

Charter of Rights

A document or legislation that outlines and protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, often within a specific country.