What is the primary intent of tampering with a witness?

Tampering with a witness primarily involves actions intended to influence or manipulate a witness's testimony regarding a legal matter. Inducing illegal testimony or absences aligns with the intent of tampering because it seeks to interfere with the integrity of the judicial process by potentially coercing the witness into providing false information or preventing them from appearing in court altogether. This misconduct undermines the truth-seeking function of the legal system.

Encouraging honest testimony would contradict the very essence of tampering, which inherently aims to skew or compromise the information a witness would provide. Providing legal counsel does not fit within the context of witness tampering, as it involves legitimate legal support rather than manipulative actions. Documenting witness statements is a relevant legal process, but it does not capture the unethical nature of tampering, which focuses on coercion or wrongdoing. Therefore, the key concept here revolves around the illicit manipulation associated with witnesses in a legal case.