text: In the first example, the defendant would want to have the accuser crossed examined, as is his right, but won't be able to since the person is deceased; also, a clever attorney would claim and probably succeed in objecting under the heresay rule; additionally, credibility and the state of mind of the now deceased witness would be questioned (drug induced, delirious or hallucinating, not in right frame of mind... etc) and put enough doubts in a jury.  I am not familiar with the technicality of deathbed testimony but I am under the impression that more than one witness must be present and certain other circumstances must be met (knowing that she's dying, being of sound mind, etc).\n\nThe second example can be argued that the "witness" was prejudiced by the sight of the handcuffs and argue, furthermore, that the proof is in the inability to identify the same person in a lineup.\n\nGood question!  Thumbs up for you!