Logo
dictionary thesaurus

cross-examination

noun
cross-ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion | \ ˈkrȯs-ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce cross-examination (audio) \

Definition of cross-examination

: 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

Other Words from cross-examination

cross-examine \ ˈkrȯs-​ig-​ˈza-​mən How to pronounce cross-examine (audio) \ verb
cross-examiner \ ˈkrȯs-​ig-​ˈzam-​nər How to pronounce cross-examiner (audio) , -​ˈza-​mə-​ \ noun

First Known Use of cross-examination

circa 1707, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for cross-examination

cross-examination

noun

Legal Definition of cross-examination

: 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.

Other Words from cross-examination

cross-examine verb
cross-examiner noun

WORD OF THE DAY

expunge

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!