jeudi 13 février 2014

General Information Concerning Witness Tampering

By Eula Nichols


Witness tampering is a kind of legal term. It is usually defined as any threat or harm that has been directed toward witnesses. Usually this is done in an attempt to influence the final testimony and the case. Witness testimony is used by plaintiff and defendant parties in both 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.

These testimonies are a very important component of proving cases. An example of what role these play in the justice system: an eye witness reports all that he or she has seen before, during or after the event in question. This single report can, in some instances, be all the evidence that is necessary to convict a suspect guilty. It might also be enough to prove that a case against an individual is 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.

It is helpful to have witnesses to call on. They can be of aid when it comes to recalling events that took place when there are disagreements regarding what occurred. They can also help court or jury when it comes time to decide on whether the crime was committed and by whom.

Tampering is a crime. People found guilty of this crime face many potential charges and punishments, which differ based on many factors. If physical threats were made, a person convicted may face ten years in jail. When physical force was used in the process, the jail time may increase to 20 years. Even if tampering is not done with success, those involved are susceptible to 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 of America, witness tampering is considered a serious offense and is recognized as a federal crime. This is used to refer to any tampering done to informants, victims or witnesses. An individual suspected of engaging in this activity is likely to face multiple charges, including coercion, bribery and extortion. Furthermore, those found guilty will receive serious punishment.




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