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

During cross-examination Monday, prosecutor Stacy Diener pressed Westcott about her claims that Allen made up stories while in a psychotic state. —Jeremy Edwards, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024

Prosecutor Anthony Pierson countered during cross-examination that Coy could have determined whether Hill was dangerous by asking for identification, speaking with the homeowners or checking whether there were any outstanding warrants for Hill's arrest. —Deon J. Hampton, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024

Williams’s lawyer, Brian Steel, also got Copeland to admit under cross-examination that he was involved in a heated conflict with Thomas around the time of Thomas’ Jan. 10, 2015 murder. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024

Jennifer Auger, one of Richard Allen’s attorneys, pointed out during cross-examination that Cicero was not asked to join the case until February this year and only saw photographs of the crime scene — not the evidence in person. —Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Oct. 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