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Simple English definitions for legal terms
consonant statement
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A quick definition of consonant statement:
A consonant statement is a type of statement that is consistent with what a witness has previously said. It can only be used as evidence if the witness's testimony has been challenged or contradicted. A false statement is a statement that is knowingly untrue and made with the intention to deceive. An incriminating statement is one that suggests someone is guilty of a crime. A prior consistent statement is a statement made by a witness that is consistent with their testimony at trial. A sworn statement is a statement given under oath, while a voluntary statement is one made without any pressure or influence.
A more thorough explanation:
A consonant statement is a type of statement that is made by a witness and is testified to by another person. It is only allowed into evidence after the witness's testimony has been impeached. This type of evidence would be inadmissible hearsay if the witness had not been impeached.
For example, if a witness testifies in court that they did not see the defendant at the scene of the crime, but a prior statement made by the witness to someone else says that they did see the defendant, that prior statement is a consonant statement. It can only be used as evidence after the witness's testimony has been impeached.
Another example of a consonant statement is when a witness makes a statement to the police during their investigation of a crime. This statement can only be used as evidence if the witness is unavailable to testify in court.