Cross-examination (Noun)
Meaning
(law) close questioning of a hostile witness in a court of law to discredit or throw a new light on the testimony already provided in direct examination.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The defense attorney's cross-examination of the prosecution's key witness revealed several inconsistencies in her testimony.
- During the cross-examination, the lawyer challenged the witness to explain the discrepancies in his previous statements.
- The judge allowed the cross-examination to continue, despite objections from the prosecution, to ensure that all relevant facts were brought to light.
- The prosecutor's cross-examination of the defendant was intense and lasted for several hours, raising doubts about his alibi.
- Cross-examination by the opposing counsel revealed that the expert witness had a vested interest in the outcome of the case.