Cross-examination

Cross-examination is a legal process during which a witness is questioned by the opposing party after they have provided their initial testimony. The purpose is to challenge the credibility of the witness, clarify evidence, and elicit additional information that may be favorable to the questioning party's case. This stage is critical in legal proceedings as it can significantly influence the judge's or jury's perception of the evidence presented.

Cross-examination meaning with examples

• During the trial, the defense attorney engaged in a rigorous Cross-examination of the prosecution's key witness, attempting to undermine the credibility of their earlier statements and reveal inconsistencies that could benefit the defense.
• The courtroom atmosphere intensified when the seasoned lawyer began the Cross-examination, skillfully navigating through the witness's testimony and asking pointed questions to highlight gaps in their memory and potential biases.
• In her Cross-examination, the attorney focused on the witness's prior relationships with individuals involved in the case, suggesting that personal biases may have influenced their testimony and impacted their recollection of events.
• As the trial progressed, the defendant's legal team meticulously prepared for Cross-examination, reviewing all evidence related to the witness to ensure they could effectively challenge any misleading or exaggerated claims made during direct examination.
• The expert witness's Cross-examination revealed key weaknesses in their previous assessments regarding the technical aspects of the case, ultimately swaying the jury to reconsider the validity of the evidence presented.