Which method is used to impeach a witness if extrinsic evidence is not permitted?

The use of character questioning to impeach a witness without extrinsic evidence is founded on the principle that a witness's credibility or reliability can be challenged through questions about their character, particularly through their reputation for truthfulness or dishonesty. The idea is that if a witness has a poor character for truthfulness, their overall credibility may be compromised, leading jurors to view their testimony with skepticism.

In a courtroom setting, when extrinsic evidence cannot be introduced, character questioning allows the attorney to probe into the witness's past behavior or reputation. The attorney can ask the witness about instances that may demonstrate a lack of integrity or a tendency to be untruthful. This method can effectively cast doubt on the witness’s credibility without needing to bring in outside evidence or testimony.

In contrast, other methods either require extrinsic evidence or may not pertain directly to impeachment. For instance, prior written statements could serve as extrinsic evidence, and using leading questions is primarily a strategy during cross-examination rather than a method for impeachment in itself. Collateral evidence likewise refers to evidence that might support or contradict a claim but is not directly relevant to the witness’s credibility. Thus, the emphasis on character questioning aligns perfectly with the requirement of impeaching a witness in a manner