Definition

Noun: A question asked during the cross-examination of a witness in a court of law or a formal inquiry. It is a question posed by the opposing side's lawyer to challenge or test the testimony given during the initial examination.

Usage

The term "cross-question" is used specifically in legal and formal investigative contexts. It refers to the act of questioning a witness after they have been questioned by the side that called them. The purpose is to expose inconsistencies, weaknesses, or falsehoods in the witness's testimony.

Examples

• The defense attorney's sharp cross-question revealed a contradiction in the witness's story.
• During the hearing, the senator faced a difficult cross-question about the timeline of events.
• The judge allowed one final cross-question before dismissing the witness.

Advanced Usage

• As a verb (to cross-question): While "cross-question" is primarily a noun, it can be used verbally to mean the act of subjecting someone to rigorous questioning, often in a non-legal context.
  • Example: The journalist cross-questioned the official for over an hour about the policy details.

Variants and Related Words

• Cross-examination (n): The entire process or period during which a witness is questioned by the opposing side. A "cross-question" is a single question within a cross-examination.
• Examination-in-chief / Direct examination (n): The initial questioning of a witness by the party who called them, which precedes cross-examination.
• Re-examination (n): The questioning of a witness again by the side that called them, after cross-examination.

Synonyms

• Interrogation
• Grilling
• Inquiring

Related Phrases

• To be under cross-questioning: To be subjected to a series of cross-questions.
  • Example: The expert witness was under cross-questioning for the entire afternoon.

Noun

1. a question asked in cross-examination