CROSS EXAMINATIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Cross-examination is a legal or investigative technique used to question a witness who has already testified during a trial or hearing. It is typically conducted by the opposing party's attorney or investigator, with the primary aim of challenging the witness's credibility, accuracy, or reliability.
The purpose of cross-examination is to expose any inconsistencies, contradictions, or biases in the witness's testimony, thus weakening their credibility and raising doubts about the veracity of their statements. This can be achieved through a series of pointed and methodical questions, oftentimes seeking to elicit admissions or explanations that contradict the witness's original account. Cross-examination also allows the examining party to present alternative interpretations of facts, challenge the witness's recollection, or highlight any potential motives they may have for providing skewed or unreliable information.
Effective cross-examination requires careful planning and strategic questioning to exploit any weaknesses in the witness's testimony. It allows the examining party to challenge the witness's character, memory, perceptions, or biases without stemming into areas considered irrelevant or extraneous to the case. Skillful cross-examination can be a powerful tool in shaping the narrative of the trial or hearing, discrediting the opposing party's evidence, and ultimately influencing the trier of fact's decision.
However, cross-examination can also have limitations as witnesses may be prepared, evasive, or skilled in deflecting challenging questions. The effectiveness of cross-examination relies on the skill and experience of the examiner, their ability to anticipate the witness's responses, and their understanding of relevant legal principles and objectives.
Common Misspellings for CROSS EXAMINATIONS
- cross examinatio ns
- cross examination s
Etymology of CROSS EXAMINATIONS
The etymology of the phrase "cross examination" can be traced back to its constituent words:
1. Cross: From Middle English "cros", Old English "cruc", ultimately derived from the Latin "crux". It refers to the intersecting or perpendicular arrangement of lines, which forms a distinctive shape similar to a 't' or an 'x.'
2. Examination: From the Latin "examinare", which means to test or inquire. It is derived from "examen", meaning a means of weighing or examining.
When combined, "cross examination" refers to a method of questioning where an attorney or advocate interrogates a witness from the opposing side in a legal setting. The term likely originated from the visual analogy of the intersecting lines or paths followed during this form of questioning.
