Craig v. Rohrer

Citations

• 63 Ill. 325

Syllabus

<p>1. Evidence—test of credibility. The credibility of a witness may be affected by contradictory testimony without showing that his statements are intentionally false or material to the issue.</p> <p>2. Proof that a witness has, on former occasions, made statements at variance with his testimony on the trial, has a direct tendency to impeach his veracity or his memory.</p> <p>3. It is the province of the jury to determine to what extent the credibility of a witness is affected by testimony tending to his impeachment.</p> <p>4. In matters collateral. Though a witness can not be contradicted as to matters purely collateral, the jury may consider and weigh such contradictory statements when suffered to be made without objection.</p> <p>5. Contradictory statements—exact language not necessary. In proving the previous statements of a party who testifies in his own behalf, and which tend to defeat his action, it is sufficient to give the substance of his admissions, without repeating his exact language.</p>