What tactic aims to portray a witness as unreliable by diminishing their confidence?

The tactic that aims to portray a witness as unreliable by diminishing their confidence is known as Condescending Counsel. This technique involves a dismissive, patronizing tone or approach by questioning attorneys, which can lead witnesses to doubt their recollections or their credibility. By making a witness feel inferior or belittled during questioning, this tactic can manipulate their confidence and cause them to second-guess their testimony. This erosion of confidence can be detrimental to their credibility in the eyes of both the jury and the judge.

In various legal contexts, the effective use of this tactic can significantly impact the outcome of the case, as a witness who lacks confidence may not be perceived as trustworthy. Understanding how this tactic works allows public safety telecommunicators to better recognize and respond to potential manipulations during witness statements or testimonies.