What does it imply if a witness is deemed hostile?

When a witness is deemed hostile, it suggests that the witness may provide biased or contrary testimony during legal proceedings. This designation indicates that the witness's demeanor or statements are not aligned with the interests of the party that called them, implying a lack of cooperation or an unwillingness to provide favorable information. A hostile witness can influence the direction and outcome of a case, as they may reveal biases or contradict established facts, thereby challenging the narrative being presented by the party that engaged them. In this context, the identification of a witness as hostile allows for different strategies in questioning and may necessitate more aggressive legal tactics to obtain the needed testimony.