The term woodshedding refers to the practice of coaching a witness before they provide testimony, with the aim of influencing their responses to favor one party in a legal case. This coaching can involve advising the witness on how to answer questions during their testimony. In some contexts, it is also known as horseshedding.
Woodshedding is primarily used in legal settings where witness testimony is critical, such as in civil and criminal cases. It can be particularly relevant in depositions and trials. The practice raises ethical concerns because it may lead to unfair advantages and distort the truth. Users can manage related legal processes by utilizing templates from US Legal Forms, which provide guidance on how to prepare witnesses appropriately and ethically.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, in a personal injury case, an attorney might coach a witness on how to describe the accident in a way that supports their client's claims. This is an example of woodshedding (hypothetical example).
The concept of woodshedding is addressed in case law, such as the ruling in In re Yasmin & Yaz (Drospirenone) Mktg., Sales Practices and Products Liability Litig., where it was defined as impermissibly coaching a witness. This highlights the legal implications of such practices.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching | General guidance provided to a witness on how to answer questions. | Coaching can be ethical if done properly, while woodshedding often involves unethical practices. |
| Horseshedding | Another term for woodshedding. | It is essentially synonymous with woodshedding. |
If you are involved in a case where witness testimony is crucial, ensure that any coaching provided is ethical and compliant with legal standards. Consider using US Legal Forms to access templates that can help you prepare witnesses appropriately. If the situation is complex, seeking professional legal advice is recommended.
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Coaching is generally acceptable if it helps a witness understand the process, while woodshedding involves unethical influence on their testimony.