When the other side's lawyer questions a witness to test and challenge their evidence.
What it means
Cross-examination is the questioning of a witness by the opposing party after that witness has given their evidence-in-chief. Its purpose is to test the witness's reliability, accuracy and credibility, and to put the cross-examiner's own case. Leading questions are permitted. Where a party intends to dispute a witness's evidence, the rule in Browne v Dunn generally requires that the contradicting case be put to the witness in cross-examination.
How it's used
Under cross-examination, the witness admitted he had not actually seen the accident happen.
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