California Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is it called if you dissuade or intimidate a witness from giving testimony at a trial?

1. Pre-texting

2. Witness Tampering

3. Obstruction of Justice

4. Coercion

The correct answer is: Witness Tampering

The act of dissuading or intimidating a witness from providing testimony at a trial is known as witness tampering. This involves any actions that influence or threaten a witness to alter their testimony, whether by intimidation, threats, or other forms of coercion. Witness tampering is a serious offense because it undermines the integrity of the judicial process and the ability of the court to ensure a fair trial. It is designed to prevent manipulations that could prevent the truth from being revealed in legal proceedings, thus protecting the administration of justice. In practice, witness tampering can manifest in various forms, including direct threats, bribery, or even indirect pressures that create fear surrounding the witness's ability to testify truthfully. By recognizing this term, it becomes easier for law enforcement and the judicial system to address such attempts to interfere with the testimony of witnesses, ensuring that individuals can provide evidence without fear of repercussions. Other terms listed like pre-texting, obstruction of justice, and coercion refer to different but related concepts in legal and criminal contexts.