Adverse witness - sustany/dvg GitHub Wiki

An adverse witness, sometimes referred to as a�hostile witness, is a witness who identifies with the opposing party because of a relationship or a common interest in the outcome of the�litigation.�

For example, in a�criminal case�brought by a State against a defendant, a witness whose interest is aligned with the state's interest is an adverse witness to the defendant. If the witness is not a party and has no legal interest in the outcome of the litigation, then the witness is not an adverse witness.

The right to�cross-examine�and potentially impeach�an adverse witness is essential to a fair trial and�due process. Additionally, a party may interrogate an adverse witness by�leading questions.