Definition

Noun: 1. A formal questioning in a court of law: In legal proceedings, cross-examination is the process where a lawyer questions a witness called by the opposing side. Its primary purpose is to test the truthfulness, accuracy, and completeness of the witness's earlier testimony given during direct examination. 2. Intensive, detailed questioning: More generally, it can refer to any intense and detailed questioning intended to scrutinize or challenge someone's statements or beliefs.

Usage

• Legal Context: Used almost exclusively to describe a specific phase in a trial or hearing.
• General/Figurative Context: Used informally to describe any situation involving rigorous, challenging questions.

Examples

• Legal Context:
  • The defense attorney's cross-examination revealed inconsistencies in the witness's story.
  • During the cross-examination, the prosecutor attempted to discredit the expert's testimony.
• General/Figurative Context:
  • After my presentation, I faced a cross-examination from my skeptical colleagues.
  • The journalist's interview turned into a brutal cross-examination of the politician's record.

Advanced Usage

• "To be subject to cross-examination": To be the person who is being questioned in this manner.
  • Every witness who gives evidence may be subject to cross-examination.
• "The art of cross-examination": Refers to the skill and strategy involved in conducting this type of questioning effectively.
  • He is famous for his mastery of the art of cross-examination.

Variants and Related Words

• Cross-examine (verb): To subject a witness to cross-examination.
  • The lawyer will cross-examine the witness tomorrow.
• Cross-examiner (noun): The person (typically a lawyer) who conducts the cross-examination.

Synonyms

• Interrogation: A sustained and formal questioning, often by authorities.
• Grilling: (Informal) Intensive and harsh questioning.
• Inquisition: A prolonged, intensive period of investigation and questioning.

Antonyms

• Direct examination: The initial questioning of a witness by the party who called them to testify.
• Re-direct examination: The follow-up questioning of a witness by the party who called them, after cross-examination.

Related Phrases

• "To stand up to cross-examination": (Idiomatic) For testimony, an argument, or a story to remain credible and consistent when challenged.
  • His alibi did not stand up to cross-examination.
• "The right to cross-examine": A fundamental legal principle in many justice systems that allows an accused person to challenge witnesses against them.
  • The defendant's right to cross-examine witnesses is protected by the constitution.

Noun

1. (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