Difference between revisions of "Cross-Examination"

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== Pitfalls of Cross-Examination ==
 
== Pitfalls of Cross-Examination ==
  
Do not use compound or long questions which are
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Using compound or long questions can be
  
 
Do not repeat good questions that receive good answers. Defense attorneys will often want to do this to emphasize a surprising answer that is beneficial to their case. However, repeating the question only gives the witness an opportunity to change or explain their answer.
 
Do not repeat good questions that receive good answers. Defense attorneys will often want to do this to emphasize a surprising answer that is beneficial to their case. However, repeating the question only gives the witness an opportunity to change or explain their answer.
  
As a general rule, a defense attorney should never ask a question when he or she doesn't already know the answer. However, under certain circumstances, a defense attorney may ask a closed-ended question that the attorney does not know the answer to. Such questions are sometimes called "No Lose Questions" because it doesn't matter what the answer is. For example, when cross-examining a police officer about the report he made at the scene, you might ask, "You wanted to get the most accurate information you could?"
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As a general rule, a defense attorney should never ask a question when he or she doesn't already know the answer. However, under certain circumstances, a defense attorney may ask a closed-ended question, even if he does not know the answer. Such questions are sometimes called "No Lose Questions" because the answer will not break the case. For example, when cross-examining a police officer about the report he made at the scene, you might ask, "You wanted to get the most accurate information possible?"
  
 
== Transitions and Looping Techniques ==
 
== Transitions and Looping Techniques ==

Revision as of 16:22, 17 June 2010