Warning

Info

LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

turncoat witness

Read a random definition: alienation of affections

A quick definition of turncoat witness:

A turncoat witness is someone who is called to testify in a trial and is expected to say something helpful to one side, but then changes their story and becomes unhelpful. This can be confusing and frustrating for the side that called them. However, there are rules in place to help the surprised side show that the witness is not being truthful. These rules allow the side that called the witness to question their credibility and use their previous statements to show that they are not being consistent.

A more thorough explanation:

A turncoat witness is someone who is called to testify in a trial and is expected to provide helpful information for one side, but then changes their story and becomes unhelpful or even hostile to that side. This can be a problem for the litigating party because they were counting on the witness to support their case.

For example, in a court case called People v. Brown, a witness initially told many people that the defendant had beaten and kicked her. However, when she was called to testify in court, she changed her story and said that she had actually been the aggressor and had injured herself while attacking the defendant. This kind of witness can be very frustrating for the party that called them, because they were expecting the witness to help their case, but instead the witness ended up hurting it.

When a turncoat witness appears in court, the other side can use the witness's previous statements to try to show that they are not telling the truth. This is allowed under the rules of evidence, which are the rules that govern what kinds of information can be presented in court. For example, in California, where the Brown case took place, there is a rule that allows a party to use a witness's previous inconsistent statements to try to show that they are not telling the truth.

Another example of a turncoat witness might be a witness who initially agrees to testify for one side, but then changes their mind and decides to testify for the other side instead. This can be a problem for the first side, because they were counting on that witness to help their case, but now they are working against them.

turn state's evidence | Twinkie defense

General

General chat about the legal profession.
main_chatroom
👍 Chat vibe: 0 👎
Help us make LSD better!
Tell us what's important to you
manifestmoreadmissions
10:18
for those of you wondering if admissions offices are working today i got an email from an adcomm today responding to something i sent earlier in the week
What does an interview for a transfer student at george mason mean?
trees1234567
12:02
JB was here yesterday dang it!!
LegalUsername
12:05
Are law schools open today or do they also have another day off considering it's sandwiched between July 4th and the weekend?
lawnfire2896
12:57
they're open
is wash u open
14:32
@HangingAboriginalLeopard: my lsat is a 168, but i got the fordham wl this cycle. i applied to it as a safety, so im kinda surprised about the wl
lawnfire2896
14:46
washu is open
amlaw
14:57
vanderbilt clearly is
Why clearly lol
amlaw
15:17
two acceptances today
what !! Crazy
manifestmoreadmissions
15:32
oh congrats to the vandy admits!!!
TacitSplendidShrew
17:08
Hi everybody, I am applying to schools this August. I could use some brief help with optics for my personal statement, as I am a first-gen student in every regard--even at the high school graduate level.
trees1234567
17:17
what help are you looking for!
trees1234567
17:17
happy to give advice if helpful
22:42
Hey Everyone, I am also applying this cycle and have a question about my personal statement. I want to become a lawyer because of a personal trauma I experienced in the past. Is this too sensitive of a topic to mention in a PS? I won't go into detail and only mention it as it relates to my inspiration to be a lawyer.
[] ararara
23:18
Yo! LSD has an AI consultant named Molly to help detect for red flags and trauma dumping in personal statements. You can try it at no charge by signing up for a free trial of LSD+. Think it gives you like two weeks for free or something though so be mindful of how advanced you are in PS drafts. Might want to time it so you have access when it’s most important.
[] ararara
23:20
@darthaifos33: this is just my opinion but I think it’s important to try and keep things positive if you can because it will reflect well on you if you can. I’ve been fortunate to read a lot of PSs as an lsat tutor and I’ve gotta say there is a lot of darkness in the world. It’s cliche but that’s the perfect time for your heart to shine through! Also, always keep in mind you’re applying to a professional school so there has to be that relevance I think.
[] ararara
23:22
Even though it’s impossible try to imagine a bunch of candidates who have had it way harder than what you’re saying but are also big about it. That’s why I think it looks better to be positive if you can about trauma even though it can be hard af.
23:53
Of course! I plan to positvely weave it through my narrative and relevant professional experience in a way that isn't too dark or anything like that. I just wasn't sure if it was a big taboo or anything like that
[] ararara
0:00
@TacitSplendidShrew: @darthaifos33 https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1jsyd1Mq8RlyMVqli_BW9z1uxY2SzNtFK?sort=13&direction=a definitely try molly and check this link out as well! The only thing about molly is some apps ask if you used AI to write your statement so be mindful of what they’re asking/what you’re using molly for!
manifestmoreadmissions
9:44
is LSDs AI assistant being named molly on purpose
KimchiQueen
10:25
@manifestmoreadmissions: OMG LOL
KimchiQueen
10:26
@manifestmoreadmissions: OMG LOL
LegalUsername
10:26
lol
14:23
am I considered KJD if I am applying the summer right after May graduation?
no because you’ll have a full year before you start school
Omg lol who cares
17:09
In my opinion thats close enough @darthaifos33
LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.