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Cross Examination

The examination of a witness called by the other side at trial and for which leading questions are permitted.

In trials, each party calls witnesses.

Each party may also question the other’s witness(es).

When you ask questions of the other party’s witness(es), it is called a "cross-examination".

A litigant (or their lawyer) is allowed considerably more latitude in cross-examination then when you question your own witnesses (called an "examination-in-chief").

For example, you are not allowed to ask leading questions to your own witness whereas you can in cross-examination.

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Unless otherwise noted, this article was written by Lloyd Duhaime, Barrister, Solicitor, Attorney and Lawyer (and Notary Public!). It is not intended to be legal advice and you would be foolhardy to rely on it in respect to any specific situation you or an acquaintance may be facing. In addition, the law changes rapidly and sometimes with little notice so from time to time, an article may not be up to date. Therefore, this is merely legal information designed to educate the reader. If you have a real situation, this information will serve as a good springboard to get legal advice from a lawyer.

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