I. Introduction A. Categories of Impeachment B. Perfection of Impeachment C. Collateral Matters D. Tactical Considerations 1. Impeach the Witness Only on Significant Matters 2. Impeach the Witness Only on Trae Inconsistencies 3. Impeach the Witness Only When Success is Likely 4. Do Not Impeach Favorable Information 5. Consider the" Rule of Completeness" 6. Consider Refreshing the Witness's Recollection E. Evidentiary Considerations П. Prior Inconsistent Statements A. The Process of Impeachment 1. Recommit the Witness a. The Traditional Way b. The Elegant Way с Deciding 2. Validate the Prior Statement a. Basic Validation of Written Statements b. Accreditation of Prior Statements (i) Accreditation Through Importance (ii) Accreditation Through Duty (iii) Accreditation Through Proximity in Time (iv) Evidentiary and Ethical Considerations 3. Confront the Witness With the Prior Statement 4. Special Cases a. The Denying Witness b. The Lying Witness