Assessing Witness Credibility

Summary

Judges determine truthfulness by evaluating factors like testimony consistency, demeanor, and corroborating evidence. Inconsistent testimony can lead to perjury charges if it involves false statements under oath. Understanding these factors can help in legal proceedings.

Full Conversation

How does a judge know if someone is telling the truth?
Judges assess credibility based on several factors:
- Consistency of testimony
- Demeanor and body language
- Corroborating evidence
- Motive to lie
- Past conduct and reputation
Is there a specific situation you're dealing with where this information might apply?
What does inconsistency of testimony mean?
Inconsistency of testimony means that a witness provides conflicting statements at different times or their account doesn't match with other evidence or witness statements. This can undermine their credibility and affect how a judge perceives their truthfulness.
Are you dealing with a specific case where testimony consistency is a concern?
Why would inconsistency of testimony lead to perjury charges?
Case Rating: *
Inconsistency of testimony can lead to perjury charges because perjury involves making false statements under oath. If a witness gives conflicting statements, it may indicate they are not telling the truth, which can be a basis for perjury.
Is there a specific case where inconsistent testimony is a concern for you?