cross-examination

noun

cross-ex·am·i·na·tion | \ˈkrȯs-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən

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

Other Words from cross-examination

cross-examine \ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈza-mən

\ verb

cross-examiner \ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈzam-nər,

-ˈza-mə- \ noun

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The first known use of cross-examination was circa 1707

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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.