What is the role of the defense when calling witnesses?

The role of the defense when calling witnesses primarily focuses on raising a reasonable doubt regarding the facts in issue. This means that the defense aims to present evidence or testimonies that may lead to questioning the validity of the prosecution's claims. By doing so, the defense seeks to create uncertainty in the minds of the jurors or judge, which is a fundamental principle in criminal law. The prosecution carries the burden of proving the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, so by introducing witnesses and evidence that suggest alternative interpretations or discrepancies in the prosecution’s narrative, the defense can fulfill its role effectively.

Establishing guilt is not a responsibility of the defense; rather, that falls on the prosecution. Providing conclusive evidence is also not the primary goal of the defense, as they are not required to prove the innocence of the accused but rather to challenge the prosecution's case. Additionally, while the defense may challenge the prosecutor's case, this is more a tactic than the primary role associated with calling witnesses, which aligns more directly with creating reasonable doubt.