Recanting is the term used when someone retracts their statement and admits they were wrong. It involves publicly stating that they no longer believe what they previously said. For instance, if a person initially testified in court that they witnessed a crime, but later confessed that they were mistaken and did not actually see anything, they would be engaging in recantation. The related word for this action is “recantation,” which refers to the act of retracting or renouncing a previously held belief or statement.
Definition:
Recanting refers to the formal or public act of withdrawing or renouncing previous statements or testimony. For instance, in Example 1, the politician, in order to avoid further consequences, was compelled to recant his previous statements after being caught lying. Similarly, in Example 2, the witness initially testified against the defendant but later recanted their testimony, asserting that they were coerced into providing false information. Recanting typically occurs when individuals realise they were mistaken or misled. In the first example, the politician had to recant their statements to evade trouble, while in the second example, the witness altered their testimony upon realizing their previous falsehood.
Recanting a statement refers to the act of retracting or withdrawing a previous statement made under oath or in a legal context.
Generally, a recanted statement may still be used against you in court, as the legal system recognizes that witnesses may change their testimony for various reasons. However, the credibility of a recanted statement may be questioned by the opposing party.
Some common reasons for recanting a statement include fear of retaliation, coercion or intimidation, realization of a mistake or misunderstanding, or a change in circumstances that affects the accuracy of the original statement.
Yes, you can recant a statement made to the police. However, it is important to consult with an attorney before doing so, as there may be legal consequences or implications.
Recanting a statement does not automatically lead to the dismissal of charges. The decision to dismiss charges lies with the prosecutor or the judge, who will consider various factors, including the credibility of the recanted statement and other evidence in the case.
Recanting a statement made under oath does not automatically result in perjury charges. However, if it is determined that you intentionally provided false information under oath, you may face perjury charges.
Yes, a recanted statement can be used to challenge or impeach a witness’s credibility during cross-examination. The opposing party may use the recantation to cast doubt on the witness’s truthfulness or reliability.
Yes, you can recant a statement even after signing a written affidavit. However, it is important to consult with an attorney to understand the potential legal consequences and how to properly handle the recantation.
Yes, a recanted statement can be used in a civil lawsuit. Similar to criminal cases, the credibility of the recanted statement may be questioned, but it can still be considered as evidence by the court.
There are certain legal protections available to witnesses who fear retaliation after recanting a statement. These protections may include restraining orders, witness protection programs, or other measures aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the witness.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/recant/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Recant. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/recant/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Recant. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/recant/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Recant. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/recant/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts