mardi 11 février 2014

General Information Concerning Witness Tampering

By Eula Nichols


The legal term witness tampering is largely defined as an harm or threat directed toward a witness in an attempt to influence the testimony of the person who is testifying in a case. Witness testimony is often employed by both defendants and plaintiffs. It is used in civil and criminal cases, and plays a major role in both.

Interfering with these testimonies is largely considered a major offense. It is known to disrupt civil cases and criminal prosecutions. In an attempt to protect the justice system and its integrity, these kinds of actions are punished by law in most parts of the world, including the United States of America.

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.

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 speaking, this is done with the intent to, through illegal means, coerce or alter the testimony of a person who is set to testify in a case. This may involve threats toward family, friends or the person to testify. This terminology might also refer to bribery that is done with the same intent. Defendants in a civil or criminal case might offer money or other valuables to a witness in order to get him or her to testify falsely in their favor.

In America, witness tampering is considered a federal crime that is not taken lightly. This is used to describe tampering with witnesses, victims or informants. A person who is suspected of doing this may face multiple charges, including extortion, bribery and coercion, and is likely to receive severe consequences if found guilty.




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