Difference between revisions of "Cross-Examination"
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== Background == | == Background == | ||
− | Cross-examination is | + | Cross-examination is an opportunity for the defense attorney to question the prosecution's witnesses during a trial. Through cross-examination, a defense attorney can present their own evidence and develop a theory of the case using government witnesses. Cross-examination is important because it may be the only time/means for the criminal defense attorney to get before the judge facts, inferences, and impressions which are necessary to the defendant's [[Theory of the Case | theory of the case]]. |
[[Direct Examination | Direct examination]] and cross-examination have very different purposes and techniques. Direct examination requires the witness to tell a story. The goal of direct examination is for the criminal defender to elicit the witness's story in the witness's own words in a manner that will advance the overall theory of the case. | [[Direct Examination | Direct examination]] and cross-examination have very different purposes and techniques. Direct examination requires the witness to tell a story. The goal of direct examination is for the criminal defender to elicit the witness's story in the witness's own words in a manner that will advance the overall theory of the case. |