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
noun -ˈza-mə-
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
as in to examine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- examine
- cross-question
- interrogate
- bombard
- besiege
- ask
- catechize
- pump
- grill
- quiz
- query
- question
- inquire (of)
- survey
- poll
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- respond
- answer
- observe
- reply
- comment
- avoid
- remark
- retort
- rejoin
- duck