dimanche 9 février 2014

General Information Concerning Witness Tampering

By Eula Nichols


Witness tampering is a legal term. It is traditionally defined as the threat or harm that is done to a witness in an effort to influence his or her testimony in a court setting. Testimony by a witness is often used by plaintiffs and defendants as evidence in criminal and civil cases.

Interfering with testimonies is a serious offense. It can disrupt a civil case, as well as criminal prosecution. In order to protect the integrity of a justice system, this type of interference with evidence is considered punishable by law in most regions around the world.

Testimonies are important for proving cases. For instance, an eye witness can give his or her story of what occurred before, after and during a questionable event in the case. This report given during a testimony can be the sole piece of information that is needed to convict an individual of a crime. Likewise, it can be all that is necessary to prove a case to be conclusive.

There are many different types of witnesses that may be used in this process. Character kinds are those who are called upon to testify about the specific qualities or character of a plaintiff or defendant. Expert types are those who have no personal knowledge or information about the specific people or events involved in a case. Still, they are called on because they are experts equipped to share a hypotheses or opinion of what took place based on knowledge in a certain field.

Witnesses are extremely helpful in the justice system. In fact, they often come in handy when it comes time to retell events that took place, particularly when there are many different stories being told from both sides. They can also aid the jury or court in reaching a final decision.

Because of this, tampering is considered a crime and treated that way. People found guilty of tampering in this way may face a range of punishments and charges. These will vary based on numerous factors. When physical threats are made, up to 10 years may be the sentencing for the guilty party. If physical force is recorded, this may jump to 20 years. Tampering must not be successful in order for it to be punishable.

This action is taken with the intent to alter or coerce the testimony of a witness through means that are considered illegal. In other words, this might involve making physical threats to the family and friends of the witness, as well as the person who is set to testify. This classification might also be used to describe bribery of these individuals. For example, a defendant involved in a criminal or civil case may offer money or some other thing of value to a person who is set to testify in exchange for a falsely testifying in his or her favor.

In the United States, witness tampering is recognized as a federal crime. It is defined as tampering with informants, victims or witnesses. An individual who is suspected of this may face numerous charges, including bribery, coercion and extortion.




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