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

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

Under cross-examination, prosecutor Michael Songer had a witness, FBI special agent Matthew Russell who investigated the shooting, explain Walker soon afterwards took responsibility for the gunshot. —Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 28 Oct. 2024

Gonzales conceded the fact on cross-examination during a June 1, 2022, bench trial. —Ray Stern, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024

Solis is not expected to hit the stand until sometime in November, and his testimony could last a week or more, depending on what surely will be a lengthy and fascinating cross-examination. —Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 7 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