Impeachment (of a witness)
Impeachment (of a witness): Attacking a witness's credibility, for example by showing bias, a prior inconsistent statement or, in some cases, a criminal conviction. Federal Rules of Evidence 607 to 610 and 613 address impeachment.
What impeachment (of a witness) means
Put simply, impeachment (of a witness) is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.
Where impeachment (of a witness) comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Cross-examination.
How to research the term
First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses impeachment (of a witness) in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Holder: under UCC § 1-201(b)(21)(A), the person in possession of a negotiable instrument payable to bearer or to that identified person.
- Holder in due course: a holder who took a negotiable instrument for value, in good faith and without notice of listed problems, and so takes free of many defenses.
- Idem sonans: latin for "sounding the same." The rule that a misspelled name in a legal document is still sufficient if, when pronounced, it sounds the same as the correct name, so that no one is misled.
- Immunity: protection from a legal duty, lawsuit or prosecution.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.