NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Impeaching a witness involves calling into question their credibility. This process typically occurs during a trial or legal proceeding when one party seeks to undermine the trustworthiness of the witness's testimony. It can involve introducing evidence that shows the witness may be biased, has previously given contradictory statements, or has a lack of expertise regarding the subject matter they are testifying about. The goal of impeachment is to discredit the witness's accounts and make the court or jury doubt the reliability of their testimony.

The other options focus on different legal concepts. Presenting new evidence to strengthen the case refers to bolstering one's argument rather than questioning a witness's reliability. Providing a character reference for a witness would support their credibility, which is contrary to the act of impeachment. Offering a plea bargain to a witness is unrelated to impeachment, as it pertains to negotiating an agreement in a criminal context. Thus, the definition of impeaching a witness accurately aligns with the action of challenging their credibility during legal proceedings.