 |
Credit: Chris Ryan, Getty Images |
Cross
examination of a witness is an art which is learnt from practice.
but if you consider following key points of the cross-examination then you can also do it without any reluctant effect.
Aim
of counsel in cross-examination, a witness is to prove your defence and demolish
evidence of your opponent, it has to be relevant, to the point and short
According
to at least one judge, most lawyers do a good job in their opening statements,
direct examinations, and closing argument, but never learn the art of
cross-examination. To master that art, lawyers need to give cross-examination
the same attention they do other phases of a trial.
Judge
William F. Rylaarsdam offers the following tips to highlight the special
purposes of cross-examination and to be a guide for mastering the art of
cross-examination.
Every Law Aspirant Should Have Read 10 Books for Better Future as a Lawyer
1. Don’t confuse cross-examination with a deposition
The purposes of each are completely distinct: the purpose of a deposition is to find out what information the witness has and nail the witness down to a particular version of the facts and the purpose of cross-examination is to ascertain the truth of alleged facts.
2. Consider whether to cross-examine at all
The answer to this depends on whether the witness has testified to anything that injures your case.
3. Control your own demeanour during cross-examination
When counsel speaks pleasantly and frankly, shows confidence, refrains from acting surprised, and stays focused on the real issues, he or she projects credibility and adds to the credibility of his or her case.
4. Keep it simple
Always keep cross-examination questions short and simple. Convoluted questions will lead the jury to conclude that you are trying to confuse witnesses rather than to get to the true facts.
5. Keep it short
A long cross-examination may lead the jury to conclude that the witnesses’ testimony must be of particular significance.
6. Only ask questions that help you
Never ask a question on cross-examination unless (1) you know what the answer will be, and (2) the answer aids your side of the case.
7. Avoid open-ended questions
Open-ended questions give the witness too much latitude to answer. They are particularly harmful when asked of an expert witness who will then look toward the jury in a very professorial manner and explain the matter yet again to the dummy lawyer who didn’t get it the first time.
8. Know when to quit
Always quit while you are ahead. When a cross-examination question elicits a helpful answer, don’t elaborate by asking a further question on the same subject because the witness will likely use those further questions to try to explain away the earlier answer.
9. Make good use of deposition answers
Having the witnesses’ sworn answer to a question means that you can safely ask that the question during cross-examination as long as it advances your position. If the answer is the same as that given during the deposition, then favourable information is before the jury, and if it differs, then you can impeach the witness with the deposition testimony.
10. Get the court’s help with a recalcitrant witness
Each time the witness gives an evasive answer, politely ask the court to instruct the witness to answer the question. Each time the witness’s answer goes beyond the scope of the question, ask the court to strike the offending portion of the answer and to instruct the jury to disregard it.
Cross-examination
has been called the ultimate test of the litigator’s skill. The key to mastering
the art of cross-examination is understanding its purpose, deciding carefully
whether it’s necessary, and conducting it sensibly and carefully.
You can also buy our 1000+ Available Ebooks and Law Notes Ebooks, see the list below the form (the updated list will be coming soon).
For Inquiry and Free Demo Access, Send Your Inquiry -
(discount applicable only for students and practicing advocates*)
See the old list of ebooks (an updated list is coming soon)
Every Law Aspirant Should Read These 10 Books for Better Future as a Lawyer
THANK YOU
0 Comments
Thank you for your response. It will help us to improve in the future.