What does impeachment refer to in a legal context?

Impeachment in a legal context specifically refers to the process of questioning the credibility of a witness, often by presenting prior inconsistent statements they have made. This tool is essential in the courtroom as it allows attorneys to challenge the reliability of a witness's testimony, thereby impacting the jury's perception of that witness and the overall case. By introducing these inconsistencies, the attorney aims to show that the witness may not be truthful or accurate, thereby reducing the weight of their testimony in the eyes of the jury or judge.

This mechanism is vital for ensuring that the testimony presented in court can be scrutinized thoroughly, contributing to the fairness of the legal process. In many cases, if a witness has provided different accounts of the same event or fact at different times, highlighting these discrepancies plays a crucial role in impeachment during trial proceedings.