I will not say that a witness shall not be asked to what may tend to disparage him: that would prevent an investigation into the character of the wit… - Richard Arden, 1st Baron Alvanley

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I will not say that a witness shall not be asked to what may tend to disparage him: that would prevent an investigation into the character of the witness, which may often be of importance to ascertain. I think those questions only should not be allowed to be asked which have a direct and immediate effect to disgrace or disparage the witness.