CROSS QUESTION Meaning and
Definition
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Cross question is a term used in legal proceedings that refers to the act of questioning a witness during a trial or deposition, usually by the opposing party's attorney. It is a method of obtaining further information or clarifying statements made by the witness during direct examination.
Cross questioning involves asking a series of questions aimed at challenging the witness's credibility, credibility of their testimony, or exposing any inconsistencies in their statements. It seeks to elicit new facts or different versions of events that may support the cross examiner's case. The purpose is often to undermine the witness's reliability, diminish their testimony, or raise doubts about their account.
During cross questioning, the attorney needs to be skilled in formulating inquiries that are precise, leading, and objective. It requires strategic thinking to anticipate the witness's responses and effectively highlight weaknesses in their testimony. Cross questioning may involve probing the witness about their biases, motive to lie, faulty memory, inconsistencies in prior statements, or lack of firsthand knowledge.
The cross question process is governed by rules and protocols designed to maintain fairness and ensure the sound administration of justice. The attorney conducting the cross examination must always adhere to these rules, avoiding badgering, argumentative, or repetitive questioning.
In summary, cross question refers to the art or technique of interrogating a witness by the opposing party's attorney with the intention of challenging their credibility, exploring inconsistencies, and undermining the validity of their testimony.
Common Misspellings for CROSS QUESTION
- xross question
- vross question
- fross question
- dross question
- ceoss question
- cdoss question
- cfoss question
- ctoss question
- c5oss question
- c4oss question
- criss question
- crkss question
- crlss question
- crpss question
- cr0ss question
- cr9ss question
- croas question
- crozs question
- croxs question
- crods question
Etymology of CROSS QUESTION
The term "cross question" originated from the combination of two words: "cross" and "question".
1. Cross: The word "cross" in this context comes from the Old English word "cros", which was derived from the Latin word "crux", meaning "cross". The term was initially used to refer to the intersection of two lines or paths. Over time, it gained additional meanings such as "conflict", "opposition", or "contradiction". In legal contexts, "cross" is used to indicate the examination or questioning of a witness by the opposing party.
2. Question: The term "question" comes from the Old French word "question", which was derived from the Latin word "quaestio", meaning "a seeking or inquiry". It refers to an act of asking or posing an inquiry to obtain information, clarification, or a response.
Similar spelling words for CROSS QUESTION
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