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

The jury wanted to hear part of the cross-examination of the city medical examiner who concluded Penny's chokehold killed Neely. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 9 Dec. 2024

On cross-examination, deputy prosecuting attorney Janna Skelton asked Ahmad if Whitfield was still a threat after he was handcuffed. —Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024

Seconds into his cross-examination, Tarrio declined to answer any questions about the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack that boosted his notoriety. —Ella Lee, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2024

Prosecutors rested their case on Monday after the defense finished its cross-examination of Dr. Cynthia Harris, the medical examiner who performed Neely's autopsy. —Sean O'Driscoll, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 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