Impeachment questions ask why a witness should be believed less. The method matters because bias, contradiction, prior statements, convictions, and character for truthfulness have different foundations and limits.
Practice in Testify →Identify the impeachment theory before evaluating the evidence. Then ask whether a foundation is required, whether extrinsic evidence is allowed, and whether the evidence is admissible only to impeach or also substantively. If the opponent rehabilitates the witness, identify the impeachment that opened the door.
Students often assume every prior inconsistent statement is substantive evidence, or overlook the different rules governing convictions versus specific acts. Another trap is using extrinsic evidence for a collateral matter when the rule does not permit it.
Label each item 'bias,' 'PIS,' 'conviction,' 'truthfulness act,' 'contradiction,' or 'capacity.' Then analyze foundation, extrinsic proof, and substantive use in that order.
On a law school exam, do not simply write 'impeachment allowed.' Name the theory, the procedural requirement, and whether the factfinder may use the evidence only for credibility or also for its truth.
For bar review, practice impeachment with hearsay and character evidence because the same prior statement or prior act can implicate several doctrines at once.