Saturday, 8 February 2014

Basic Details Of 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 mostly considered an offense when it comes to the justice system. It is known for disrupting criminal prosecutions, as well as civil cases. In an effort to protect the system of justice and its integrity, this type of action is penalized by law in many areas of the world, including America.

Testimonies are a crucial part of proving of cases. The role these play in the justice system: an eye witness gives his or her account of what took place after, during and before an event that is being questioned. This report, in some cases, may be the only evidence required in order to convict a person. Furthermore, it can be the sole piece of information needed to prove cases conclusive.

Different types of witnesses may be called upon in the trial process. Character types are those who are asked to testify on the specific character or personality traits of a defendant or plaintiff. Expert kinds are people who usually have no information or knowledge about the alleged events or people involved in the case. Still, they are asked to give their opinion or hypotheses based on their expertise in a particular 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.

For these reasons, it is so important that tampering be handled like a major crime. People who are guilty of this may face many different punishments, depending on several factors. In cases where physical threats were made toward witnesses, the consequences are severe. People convicted of this may spend up to 10 years in jail. If physical force was used, the sentencing time could be extended to up to 20 years. Tampering does not need to be successful in order for it to be treated as a crime and people involved to receive punishment.

Generally, tampering is done with the goal to alter or coerce testimony. This is achieved through illegal means, such as threatening the person who will be testifying, as well as his or her friends and family members. The term is also applied in cases where bribery is used for the same purpose. For example, defendants in a criminal or civil case may offer valuables, such as money, to a witness in exchange for a false testimony that is in favor of their case.

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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