her initial statement was all over the place so i personaly dont think she was telling all the truth, as she had been arrested also, so she was keeping herself out of trouble, can they make her go as a witness?
2007-08-17 00:45:59 · 5 answers · asked by lisa w 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
If she is a witness, she can be required to go to court, by either the prosecutor or the defendant's lawyer.
Whether she would make a GOOD witness is something altogether different. That's what the lawyers need to decide. If the prosecution calls her, the defendant's lawyer can bring out that she is not a trustworthy person, and the judge (or jury, if it is a jury trial) will take that into consideration.
But yes, she can be made to testify. I hope this helps. Good luck!!
2007-08-17 00:52:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Witnesses can be required to testify in criminal court. If they lie or refuse, they face Contempt of Court charges. It sounds like the girl might need some professional counseling before she gets herself into trouble.
2007-08-17 00:51:07 · answer #2 · answered by regerugged 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, of course they can. There's no law that says a witness must be a "good" witness. And even a bad witness can shed light on a case. Whether they believe her or not is up to the jury.
2007-08-17 00:52:31 · answer #3 · answered by Radzewicz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, she must testify if called. However, any competent attorney can discredit her testimony if she was giving several different accounts of the crime.
2007-08-17 00:52:24 · answer #4 · answered by remowlms 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-08-17 00:54:09 · answer #5 · answered by lef56ty 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋