Daryl Fawcett quoted from adventalk.com wrote:
Emma,
That is why documentation of what is said is so very important.
I consider as fact the testimonial of two or more eye-witnesses who are both saying the same thing. I also consider the statement of one eye-witness, as long as there isn't another eye-witness saying something different. That is when another type of evidence is needed.
I consider as fact statements that can be documented as evidence that will back up the statement as being true.
Interesting statements, Daryl.
Has there ever been an instance of an "eye-witness" not telling the truth, either via an outright lie or by conveniently leaving out critical bits of information? We know by the evidence of his own words that RP has done, at least the later of those two, on more than one occasion. If the "eye-witness" has a personal agenda is there any chance they will edit the events so that they cast one or the other parties involved in a negative light so as to achieve the goals of their agenda?
The only way for "eye-witness" testimony to hold the type of credibility you are appropriating to it is for those witnesses to testify under oath, either on a witness stand or in deposition. If you have a sworn statement, you have something that might be getting close to the truth of a matter.
Additionally, there have been a myriad of cases in the courts where eye-witnesses to an event give contradicting testimony. Each individual observing said event at the same time sees it differently, both literally and perceptually. They process the event and interpret it based on their own internal processes and come up with recollections or interpretations of an event that are, not minimally, but significantly different.
So, that leaves the question . . . What criteria will you use in determining what stays and what goes, what is fact and what is gossip? Will your choices rely solely on your personal animosity toward Danny and 3ABN, or will you use a more fair and unbiased approach?
- prof