the opportunity for the attorney (or an unrepresented party) to ask questions in
court of a witness who has testified in a trial on behalf of the opposing party.
The questions on cross-examination are limited to the subjects covered in the direct
examination of the witness, but importantly, the attorney may ask leading questions,
in which he/she is allowed to suggest answers or put words in the witness's mouth.
(For example, "Isn't it true that you told Mrs. Jones she had done nothing wrong?"
which is leading, as compared to "Did you say anything to Mrs. Jones?") A strong
cross-examination (often called just "cross" by lawyers and judges) can force contradictions,
expressions of doubts or even complete obliteration of a witness's prior carefully
rehearsed testimony. On the other hand, repetition of a witness' s story, vehemently
defended, can strengthen his/her credibility.
See also credibility direct examination testimony trial witness
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