Difference between revisions of "Cross-Examination"
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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 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?" | 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?" | ||
| − | == Transitions | + | == Transitions, Headline Questions and Looping Techniques == |
It is often difficult to phrase a leading question that can result in smooth transitions between subject areas for questioning a witness. In such cases, it may be helpful to change the subject by using a transition or headline question. Transitional statements can notify the witness and the fact finder that the subject area has been changed. | It is often difficult to phrase a leading question that can result in smooth transitions between subject areas for questioning a witness. In such cases, it may be helpful to change the subject by using a transition or headline question. Transitional statements can notify the witness and the fact finder that the subject area has been changed. | ||
