The spelling of the word "cross-examine" can be a bit tricky because of its complex pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ˌkrɔːs ɪɡˈzæmɪn/. The first syllable "cross" is pronounced like "kraws," while the second syllable "examine" is pronounced like "ig-zam-in." The stress is on the second syllable with a long "i" sound followed by a short "a" sound. When using this word in legal situations, it is important to know how to spell and pronounce it correctly.
Cross-examine is a legal term referring to the process of questioning a witness in court, usually during a trial, who has already been examined by the opposing party. It is an essential element of the adversarial legal system used in many jurisdictions. The purpose of cross-examination is to challenge the credibility, reliability, and truthfulness of the witness's testimony, as well as to elicit additional facts or insights that may be beneficial to the cross-examiner's case.
During cross-examination, the opposing party's attorney has the opportunity to pose questions to the witness with the aim of bringing forth inconsistencies, biases, or alternative explanations that could undermine their original testimony. This type of questioning is more rigorous and confrontational compared to the initial examination called direct examination, which is intended to elicit favorable information for the party calling the witness.
Cross-examination often involves using leading questions, which direct the witness towards a specific answer. The purpose of this approach is to challenge the witness's recall or interpretation of events, expose any inconsistencies or contradictions in their statement, or highlight any biases, interests, or motivations that may influence their testimony.
Cross-examination is an important tool for challenging and testing the evidence presented in court, as it allows the opposing party to delve deeper into the witness's account and reveal any weaknesses that may undermine their credibility. It is generally conducted by asking concise, pointed, and systematic questions to elicit the desired response and ultimately serve the cross-examiner's strategy in the case.
The word "cross-examine" comes from the combination of two root words: "cross" and "examine".
The word "cross" in this context originates from the Old Norse word "krossa", meaning "cross", which was later influenced by the Latin word "crux". In legal settings, "cross" is used to imply a contradiction or opposition.
The word "examine" comes from the Latin word "examinare", which means "to weigh" or "to investigate". It is derived from the word "examen", meaning "the tongue of a balance" or "a means of weighing". Over time, "examine" came to refer to the scrutiny or interrogation of witnesses during a legal proceeding.
Thus, the term "cross-examine" emerged as a combination of these elements, reflecting the practice of questioning a witness in a legal context to challenge or elicit further information regarding their testimony.