Which factor is NOT listed as a basis to impeach a witness?

• A. Bias
• B. Perception
• C. Prior inconsistent statements
• D. Hearsay

Answer: (D)

Impeaching a witness centers on credibility—how believable or trustworthy their testimony appears. Bias or interest is a key factor because if a witness has a stake in the outcome, their motive can color what they say. Perception matters because the accuracy of what they observed can be compromised by conditions like distance, lighting, or distractions. Prior inconsistent statements are powerful for impeachment because they show the witness previously said something different, casting doubt on their reliability.

Hearsay isn’t a direct credibility factor. It’s a rule about whether a statement made outside the courtroom can be admitted for its truth. A witness’s credibility is evaluated separately from whether a statement is hearsay. If a prior statement is inconsistent with current testimony, that inconsistency can be used to impeach, but hearsay itself isn’t listed as a basis to impeach.