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

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cross-examine

play \ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈza-mən\ verb

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cross-examiner

play \ˈkrȯs-ig-ˈzam-nər, -ˈza-mə-\ noun

First Known Use of cross-examination

circa 1707

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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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