Cross-examination for Dummies
noun
pronunciation: krɔs_ɪɡ,zæmə'neɪʃənWhat does Cross-examination really mean?
Cross-examination:
Hey there! So, let's talk about cross-examination. Have you ever seen a courtroom drama on TV or in a movie? You know, when the lawyers take turns asking questions to the witnesses? Well, cross-examination is a really important part of that process, and it's when the lawyer representing the other side gets a chance to ask questions to the witness that the opposing lawyer previously questioned.
But why do they do that?
Good question! Cross-examination allows the opposing lawyer to challenge and test the credibility and reliability of the witness's testimony. It's like they put the witness under a microscope to see if their story holds up or if there are any inconsistencies or flaws in their statements.
How does it work?
During cross-examination, the opposing lawyer asks the witness questions, trying to weaken their testimony or create doubt about their version of events. They might ask the witness about any contradictions or inconsistencies in their previous statements, their personal biases or motivations, or any other information that might cast doubt on their credibility. The lawyer can also ask leading questions, which are questions that suggest the answer they want, hoping that the witness will give a different answer that helps their case.
So, it's like a big Q&A session in court?
Exactly! It's like a back-and-forth conversation between the lawyer and the witness, where the lawyer is essentially trying to poke holes in the witness's story and expose any weaknesses. By doing this, the lawyer hopes to undermine the credibility of the witness and, ultimately, strengthen their own case.
Are there any rules for cross-examination?
Oh, definitely! There are some specific rules that lawyers must follow during cross-examination. They can't ask irrelevant questions or badger the witness by being overly aggressive or repetitive. They also can't ask leading questions that suggest facts not in evidence or facts that are based on a false assumption. Essentially, the lawyer needs to be respectful and fair while still trying to challenge the witness's testimony.
That sounds pretty important!
Absolutely! Cross-examination is a vital tool in the legal system because it helps ensure that the truth is uncovered, and justice is served. It gives both sides a chance to ask the important questions that can affect the outcome of a case. So, the next time you watch a courtroom drama, you'll have a better understanding of what's going on during those intense cross-examination scenes!
Revised and Fact checked by Patricia Williams on 2023-10-28 08:27:36
Cross-examination In a sentece
Learn how to use Cross-examination inside a sentece
- During a trial, the lawyer asked the witness many questions in a cross-examination to get more information.
- In a police investigation, the detective questioned the suspect in a cross-examination to find out the truth.
- In a debate, the opponent asked the speaker a series of questions in a cross-examination to challenge their argument.
- During a job interview, the employer asked the candidate several probing questions in a cross-examination to assess their skills.
- In a classroom discussion, the teacher asked the student various questions in a cross-examination to test their understanding of the topic.
Cross-examination Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.
Cross-examination Meronyms
Words that are part of the original word.
Cross-examination Category
The domain category to which the original word belongs.