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 New York Court of Appeals overturned Weinstein’s convictions in April saying all the uncharged prior bad act witnesses who testified, as well as allowing very broad cross-examination if Weinstein took the stand, violated his constitutional rights. —Jean Casarez, CNN, 17 Sep. 2024

The federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged in connection with the January 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols continued Monday, with the cross-examination of a Memphis Police Department (MPD) lieutenant who trained the defendants. —Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2024

Google’s attorneys poked at the witnesses’ arguments and credibility during cross-examination, pointing out ways players like Avery would benefit if the court forced Google to share access to its tools. —Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 10 Sep. 2024

Teng opened his cross-examination, pressing the CEO to remind the court of the size of his golden parachute if the deal is approved: $43 million. —Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 5 Sep. 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