Definition of cross-examination
:the examination of a witness who has already testified in order to check or discredit the witness's testimony, knowledge, or credibility — compare direct examination
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First Known Use of cross-examination
circa 1707
Law Dictionary
cross-examination
noun
legal Definition of cross-examination
:the examination of a witness who has already testified in order to check or discredit the witness's testimony, knowledge, or credibility — see also confrontation clause — compare direct examination, recross-examination, redirect examination
Note:
In accordance with Rule 611 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, cross-examination should only refer to matters that were covered during direct examination or that are relevant to the witness's credibility. Anything exceeding these limits is permissible at the court's discretion. Leading questions are also ordinarily allowed on cross-examination under Rule 611.
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cross-examine
verb
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cross-examiner
nounLearn More about cross-examination
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cross-examination
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