Cross-examination

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Evidence
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Part of the common law series
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Physical evidence · Digital evidence
Exculpatory evidence · Scientific evidence
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Subsequent remedial measure
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Direct examination · Cross-examination
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Party admission · Ancient document
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Present sense impression · Res gestae
Learned treatise · Implied assertion
Other areas of the common law
Contract law · Tort law · Property law
Wills and Trusts · Criminal law

See Structure of policy debate for cross-examination in policy debate.

In law, cross-examination is the interrogation of a witness called by one's opponent. It is preceded by direct examination (in England, Australia and Canada known as examination-in-chief) and may be followed by a redirect (re-examination in England, Australia, and Canada).

In the United States, the cross-examining attorney is typically not permitted to ask questions which do not pertain to the facts revealed in direct examination. This is called going beyond the scope of the direct examination. This does not apply in England and Australia, where once a witness is called the opponent's lawyer can ask any question relevant to the issues in the trial.

Unlike in direct examinations, however, leading questions are typically permitted in a cross-examination, since the witness is presumed to be unsympathetic to the opposing side.