Which aspect does a witness need to address when impeached with prior inconsistent statements?

When a witness is impeached with prior inconsistent statements, it is crucial to allow the witness the opportunity to explain or deny those prior statements. This process acknowledges the witness's right to address potential credibility issues and provides context for any discrepancies. The legal principle underlying this is that a witness may have various reasons for making inconsistent statements, such as misunderstanding the questions or changes in their memory over time. By giving the witness a chance to clarify or explain, it helps the court weigh the credibility of their testimony more effectively.

Addressing the other options, denying all claims might further complicate matters and not contribute to establishing credibility. Relying solely on character references does not directly address the inconsistencies in testimony and might not be relevant in that moment. Introducing a new witness does not provide the original witness with an opportunity to address their own inconsistencies, which is an essential part of the impeachment process. Thus, allowing the witness to explain or deny the prior statements is a fundamental aspect of the legal process concerning impeachment.