Cross-Examination
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
prac. tice, is the examination of a witness by the party who did not call him. very party has a right to cross examine a witness produced by his antagonist, in order to test whether the witness has the knowledge of the things he testifies, and, if upon such examination, it is found that the witness’ had the means and ability to ascertain the facts about which he testifies, then his memory, his motives, every thing may be scrutinized by the cross-examination. In cross-examinations a great latitude is allowed in the mode of putting questions, and the counsel may put leadsng questions (q. v.). Vide further on. this subject, and for some rules which limit the abuse of this right 1 Stark. Ev. 96; 1 Phil. Ev. 210.