What is a common tactic used by defense attorneys to throw off testimony?

A common tactic employed by defense attorneys to create confusion or elicit unreliable testimony is to ask two questions at the same time. This approach can overwhelm the witness, making it difficult for them to process and respond accurately. It can lead to inconsistencies in their responses as they may focus on one question and miss the other, allowing the defense to highlight any discrepancies during cross-examination.

This tactic plays into the complexities of human memory and how witnesses recall information under stress. By pressing for multiple answers simultaneously, defense attorneys aim to bring doubt into the testimony and the overall reliability of the witness's account.

In contrast, strategies like asking about an officer’s training, using friendly counsel, or presenting a witness statement serve different purposes in legal proceedings and do not have the same impact on disorienting or confusing the testimony.