Criminology Term: Cross-Examination
In criminology, cross-examination is a dynamic and high-stakes process in which a witness who has previously testified on direct examination is grilled by the opposing party.
The purpose of this intense questioning is to uncover weaknesses or inconsistencies in the witness's testimony and to discredit their credibility.
Cross-examination is an essential tool in criminal trials as it allows the defense attorney to challenge the prosecution's case and present their own evidence.
The attorney can use cross-examination to aggressively probe the witness's account of events, bring attention to contradictions in their story, or expose their underlying biases and motivations.
To execute successful cross-examination, attorneys must be strategic and thoroughly prepared. They must have a clear grasp of the witness's testimony and the issues at stake in the case.
A well-planned cross-examination can be a potent weapon for the defense, as it can dismantle the prosecution's case and turn the tide in favor of the accused.
