What is a common objective of tactics used by opposing counsel?

The objective of tactics used by opposing counsel often revolves around creating confusion during testimony. This strategy can lead to inconsistencies in a witness's statements, which may undermine their reliability in the eyes of a judge or jury. By confusing the witness, opposing counsel aims to expose gaps in knowledge, highlight contradictions, or induce uncertainty about the facts of the case. This can be particularly effective in trials where the credibility of the witness is critical to the outcome, as it can sway the jury’s perception and decision-making.

While other tactics, such as establishing professionalism or verifying case details, may play roles in legal proceedings, the primary goal of creating confusion directly impacts a witness’s effectiveness and the case's argument, making it a commonly used approach by opposing counsel. Reinforcing witness credibility, on the other hand, would typically align more closely with the strategies of the party that called the witness, rather than the opposing counsel.