Reference no: EM133271452

Assignment -

Part I -

1) What are the general requirements for witness competency?

2) What is the difference between witness competency and witness credibility?

3) What is impeachment?

4) What are six possible bases for impeachment? (Just list them).

5) Watch the attached clips from My Cousin Vinny. This is a classic courtroom movie that is actually used in many evidence classes. Although clearly over the top, many of the scenes are fairly accurate in depicting evidentiary rules and foundations. These witnesses were presented by the government to connect the defendants to a murder at a convenience store. These scenes from the movie depict cross-examination by the defense counsel. Briefly summarize the category of impeachment they illustrate and the main reasons that each impeachment was successful. (Briefly discuss each one).

Part II -

1) Should the sister's history of mental illness and drug use render her "incompetent" to testify, or should these simply be matters for credibility and impeachment? Why or why not? (Apply the factors you listed in question one above).

2) How could the sister be impeached? List the reasons and why those lines of questioning would be effective.