Legal Definitions - cross-question

Definition: A cross-question is a type of question that is directed towards a witness during a legal proceeding. It is a follow-up question that is asked to clarify or challenge the witness's previous statement.

Example: During a trial, the defense lawyer may cross-question a witness to challenge their testimony. For example, if the witness claims to have seen the defendant at the scene of the crime, the defense lawyer may ask a cross-question to clarify the witness's line of sight or to challenge their ability to identify the defendant.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a cross-question is used in a legal setting to challenge or clarify a witness's testimony. The defense lawyer uses a cross-question to challenge the witness's ability to identify the defendant, which could weaken the prosecution's case.