What is a rebuttal witness?

A rebuttal witness is a witness called by the opposing party in a trial or hearing in order to contradict or challenge the testimony of a previous witness. The purpose of a rebuttal witness is to present evidence or testimony that undermines the credibility or validity of the previous witness's testimony in order to rebut their claims or arguments.

Rebuttal witnesses are often called after the conclusion of the other party's case, so that they may respond to any new evidence or testimony that was presented. They may be used to challenge the truthfulness of an earlier witness's statement, present new evidence or testimony, or provide further insight or clarification on the issues at hand.

The use of rebuttal witnesses is common in court proceedings, particularly in civil and criminal trials, where the outcome of the case often hinges on the credibility and validity of witness testimony. The ultimate goal of calling a rebuttal witness is to defend against any claims or accusations made by the other party and to persuade the judge or jury to rule in favor of the party making the rebuttal.