Impeachment: General Rule

Any party may impeach any witness using permissible methods.

Related Impeachment rules

• Impeachment by BiasImpeachment for bias is always allowed and never collateral.
• Impeachment by Prior Inconsistent StatementA witness may be impeached with prior inconsistent statements; extrinsic evidence allowed unless collateral.
• Impeachment by Character for UntruthfulnessCharacter for untruthfulness may be shown by opinion or reputation evidence.
• Impeachment by Specific ActsSpecific acts relating to untruthfulness may be inquired into on cross but not proven with extrinsic evidence.
• Impeachment by Prior ConvictionsPrior felonies and crimes of dishonesty are admissible subject to Rule 403 and timing limits.
• Rehabilitation of WitnessRehabilitation permitted when credibility attacked; prior consistent statements admissible if offered to rebut…

Part of Evidence on Core Legal Rules — foundational MBE-tested principles with primary-source citations.