Which is NOT a proper use of an affidavit?

Which is NOT a proper use of an affidavit?

• A. Prepare for the case
• B. Impeach a witness
• C. Refresh a witness's recollection
• D. Impanel a jury

Answer: (D)

Affidavits are sworn written statements that serve to advance and support a case, helping you gather and preserve facts for trial or motions. They can be used to prepare for the case by laying out witnesses’ accounts and the facts you intend to rely on, creating a clear, sworn record. They can also be used to impeach a witness by showing prior sworn statements that conflict with current testimony, which can undermine credibility. Additionally, a witness may refresh recollection by looking at a prior writing they signed, and an affidavit counts as such a writing to jog memory during testimony. Impaneling a jury, on the other hand, is a court procedure handled through voir dire and juror selection, not something performed or influenced by presenting affidavits.

Affidavits are sworn written statements that serve to advance and support a case, helping you gather and preserve facts for trial or motions. They can be used to prepare for the case by laying out witnesses’ accounts and the facts you intend to rely on, creating a clear, sworn record. They can also be used to impeach a witness by showing prior sworn statements that conflict with current testimony, which can undermine credibility. Additionally, a witness may refresh recollection by looking at a prior writing they signed, and an affidavit counts as such a writing to jog memory during testimony.

Impaneling a jury, on the other hand, is a court procedure handled through voir dire and juror selection, not something performed or influenced by presenting affidavits.