Legal Definitions - recant

Recant (verb)

To recant means to formally or publicly withdraw a statement, testimony, or belief that was previously made or held. It involves retracting what was said or asserted before, often because of new information, pressure, or a change in perspective.

• Example 1: Criminal Trial

  During a criminal trial, a defendant who had previously signed a written confession to the police recanted that confession on the witness stand, claiming it was made under duress and was untrue.

  Explanation: This illustrates recanting because the defendant is formally and publicly withdrawing a significant prior statement (the confession) that was made to law enforcement.

• Example 2: Administrative Hearing

  A key witness in a government ethics investigation initially provided sworn testimony detailing financial improprieties by a public official. However, weeks later, the witness submitted a new affidavit stating they wished to recant their earlier testimony, asserting they had been mistaken about certain facts.

  Explanation: Here, the witness is formally withdrawing their previous sworn testimony in a public or official capacity, which directly fits the definition of recanting.

• Example 3: Civil Deposition

  In a civil lawsuit, a witness gave a deposition under oath, describing the events of an accident. Before the trial, the witness informed their attorney that they wanted to recant parts of their deposition testimony, stating they had misremembered crucial details about the event.

  Explanation: This shows recanting as the witness is formally withdrawing specific statements made under oath during a legal proceeding (a deposition) before the trial begins.