Question

A witness's prior consistent statements cannot be used to bolster his/her testimony.

a) Always admissible

b) Admissible only under specific circumstances

c) Inadmissible for impeachment

d) Admissible only if made under oath

Answer 1

A witness's prior consistent statements are not admissible to bolster the witness's credibility but may be admissible under specific circumstances to counter claims of fabrication or improper influence.The correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the rules governing the admissibility of a witness's prior consistent statements in a court of law. According to the rules of evidence, especially in criminal trials, a witness's testimony must be given in a courtroom and be open to cross-examination. Hearsay is generally inadmissible, but there are exceptions such as admissions of guilt by the defendant or dying declarations. Prior consistent statements by a witness may be used for limited purposes, such as rebutting a charge of recent fabrication or improper influence or motive, but are not admissible to bolster a witness's credibility.

The correct answer to the question “A witness's prior consistent statements cannot be used to bolster his/her testimony.” is b) Admissible only under specific circumstances. The use of prior consistent statements is only allowed under certain circumstances as delineated by the Federal Rules of Evidence and case law.