cross-examination

noun

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

: 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

cross-examine

ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈza-mən 

verb

cross-examiner

ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈzam-nər 

-ˈza-mə-

noun

Examples of cross-examination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The defense attorneys’ cross-examination of Woodland will continue when the proceedings resume in August. —Cameron Duran, The Mercury News, 19 July 2024

During cross-examination, Watson was at times evasive about the inconsistent revenue figures Ozy provided to investors. —Reuters, CNN, 16 July 2024

During cross-examination of Morrissey, it was revealed that the other prosecutor in the case, Erlinda Ocampo Johnson, resigned from the case on Friday. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 13 July 2024

During the cross-examination, Spiro also showed jurors a photo of Hutchins’ copy of the film’s script, which was found on the floor of the church where she was shot. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1707, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

cross-examination

noun

: 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.

cross-examine verb

cross-examiner noun