What Is a Cross-Examine Definition

In U.S. federal courts, a cross-examination attorney is generally not allowed to ask questions that are unrelated to the testimony offered in direct examination, but most state courts allow a lawyer to cross-examine a witness on matters that were not addressed during direct examination. Similarly, the courts of England, South Africa, Australia and Canada allow a cross-examiner to overstep the scope of direct review. Subscribe to America`s largest dictionary and get thousands of other definitions and an advanced search – ad-free! n. the opportunity for counsel (or an unrepresented party) to ask questions of the court about a witness who testified on behalf of the opposing party. The questions in cross-examination are limited to the topics discussed during the direct examination of the witness, but it is important that counsel be able to ask guiding questions in which they can suggest answers or put words into the witness` mouth. (For example, „Isn`t it true that you told Mrs. Jones that she had done nothing wrong?“ which compares to „Did you say anything to Mrs. Jones?“) Rigorous cross-examination (often referred to as a „crusader“ by lawyers and judges) can force contradictions, expressions of doubt, or even the complete erasure of a witness` carefully repeated prior testimony. On the other hand, repeating the testimony of a witness, who is vehemently defended, can enhance his credibility. The Via Dolorosa ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and is marked by nine Stations of the Cross. Father Salvierderra said that if we repented under our crosses, a heavier cross would be placed on us. The reason: militant government and unionized government often work in opposite directions.

Since a witness called by the opposing party is considered hostile, cross-examination allows policy questions to be asked. On the other hand, a witness summoned by a direct interrogator can only be described as hostile by that examiner if the judge has authorized him to do so, at the request of that examiner and because the witness is openly hostile and/or biased towards the party who summoned him. [1] „Cross-examination.“ Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-examination. Retrieved 10 October 2022. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cross-examination Lawyers anticipate the reactions of hostile witnesses during pre-trial planning and often attempt to influence witnesses` perception of questions in order to obtain information that will be useful to the lawyer`s case. [4] As a general rule, during closing arguments, a lawyer repeats all the confessions of witnesses that support their case. In fact, cross-examination is considered an essential part of the entire adversarial justice system in the United States, as it is „the primary means by which a witness`s credibility and the veracity of his or her testimony are tested.“ [5] Another key element that influences the outcome of a trial is jury selection, where lawyers try to include jurors who they believe can get a positive answer or, at the very least, an impartial and fair decision. Thus, while many factors influence the outcome of a trial, cross-examination of a witness often influences an open-minded and impartial jury seeking certainty of the facts on which to base its decision. At Jacques Cartier, they had only one battalion with which they could cross the army, and two frigates came under fire during that time. In law, cross-examination is the examination of a witness called by the opponent. It is preceded by a direct exam (known as the main exam in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Africa, India and Pakistan) and may be followed by a redirection (replay in Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, Canada, South Africa, India, Hong Kong and Pakistan).

Re-examination by counsel or the pro se person who conducted the direct examination clarifies the witness` testimony during cross-examination, including any issues raised during cross-examination but not discussed during cross-examination. The reconsideration concerns the witness` testimony, which is discussed in the transmission by the opponent. Depending on the judge`s discretion, opponents have several options to divert and re-examine witnesses (this may vary by jurisdiction). I cannot believe that God considers it necessary to come to earth as a human being and die on the cross. Cross-examination is a key element of a trial, and the subject is given a great deal of attention in litigation courts. [2] The opinion of a jury or judge is often altered when cross-examination casts doubt on the witness.