Which statement correctly describes impeachment based on a sensory or mental defect?

Which statement correctly describes impeachment based on a sensory or mental defect?

• A. Only after a formal psychiatric evaluation.
• B. Impeachment is not allowed on mental defects.
• C. A defect of capacity to observe, remember, or relate may be shown to impeach.
• D. Extrinsic evidence is required for any mental defect impeachment.

Answer: (C)

Impeachment can be built around a witness’s capacity to observe, remember, or relate what happened. If a person has a sensory or mental defect that affects how they perceive or recall events—like memory problems or a limitation in observation—they can be used to attack their credibility. You don’t need a formal psychiatric evaluation to do this; it can be shown through cross-examination or the witness’s own statements about their limitations. Extrinsic evidence isn’t required to prove the defect—often your best path is to elicite the issue directly from the witness. The idea isn’t to prove a diagnosis, but to show that the witness’s ability to observe or remember is impaired, which can undermine their reliability.

Impeachment can be built around a witness’s capacity to observe, remember, or relate what happened. If a person has a sensory or mental defect that affects how they perceive or recall events—like memory problems or a limitation in observation—they can be used to attack their credibility. You don’t need a formal psychiatric evaluation to do this; it can be shown through cross-examination or the witness’s own statements about their limitations. Extrinsic evidence isn’t required to prove the defect—often your best path is to elicite the issue directly from the witness. The idea isn’t to prove a diagnosis, but to show that the witness’s ability to observe or remember is impaired, which can undermine their reliability.