cross-examination

noun

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

Examples of cross-examination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On cross-examination, Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur drilled down on Wier Vaught’s history as a top Madigan aide, asking whether she was often seen on the House floor. Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025 During a roughly 10-minute cross-examination of Lynch, Campbell emphasized the limitations of the professor’s study, noting that the questions posed to the survey respondents are different than what a real-life jury would be told. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2025 Trump demanded he be given a new trial over allegations that the jury heard improper testimony and Trump was wrongly precluded from asking Carroll certain questions during cross-examination. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2024 Day 3 The jury heard more testimony read back from the cross-examination of Harris. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cross-examination 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1707, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cross-examination was circa 1707

Dictionary Entries Near cross-examination

Cite this Entry

“Cross-examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cross-examination. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cross-examination

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