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Cross examination provides the opportunity challenge "direct testimony" given by a witness. It is a fact finding mission. It is a way to expand on the testimony and get to "the rest of the story". You can't assume that witness testimony is without bias, is full on omissions or is just plain perjury. Within the legal scope of cross examination, you can ask questions that force the witness to reveal more information that can bring a new light to the testimony and its context.

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During what stage of a trial do direct examination and cross examination occur?

Direct examination and cross examination occur during the trial phase known as the presentation of evidence.


Which is more important direct-examination or cross-examination?

Both direct-examination and cross-examination are important in a trial. Direct-examination allows the attorney to present their case and their witness's testimony, while cross-examination gives the opposing attorney the opportunity to challenge the witness's credibility and testimony. They both serve different purposes in the trial process and are equally important.


What is the term for the examination of a witness by the attorney who calls the witness to the stand to testify on behalf of the attorney's client?

The attorney who calls the witness conducts a direct examination. The opposing attorney may then conduct a cross examination. The first attorney may then conduct a redirect exam, whereupon the opposing attorney may conduct a recross exam.


What is the purpose of cross- examination?

To ask for clarification, to expose weaknesses in the argument or evidence, to discredit the witness, or to elicit facts favorable to the party the cross-examiner is representing. "Indeed, cross-examination is arguably the essential, if not sole, purpose of a criminal trial. Opening statements, the importance of which so many lawyers underestimate, is the foundation of effective cross-examination. The opening is where the lawyer not only provides the jury with the defense's version of the facts, but details how he will cross-examine prosecution witnesses. If the lawyer wastes the invaluable opportunity afforded by the opening, leaves critical "facts" unchallenged, neglects to cite examples of the witness's duplicity, and fails to tell the jury how he will cross-examine the witnesses, it's unlikely the jury will grasp the significance of otherwise effective cross-examination."


What happens during cross examination?

The defense tries to create doubt in the minds of the jury.