HOW DO STRONGLY CROSS EXAMINE IN COURT
Trial lawyers with years of experience will tell you that although they may have learned the art of cross-examination in a few trials, it took them a lifetime to master it. Contrary to what Hollywood would have us think, a cross-examination is not so much a dramatic confrontation between a lawyer and a witness as it is an opportunity to strengthen your client’s case with the “assistance” of an opposing witness. But the unpredictability of that opposing witness can sink a cross-examination. Fortunately, there are steps attorneys can take to improve the effectiveness of a cross-examination both before and during it. 1. Determine Your Objectives for Every Witness – It’s not necessary to cross-examine every witness. You should probably refrain from cross-examining a witness if doing so will not strengthen your client’s case—in fact, it might even weaken it. However, it’s crucial to decide your objectives in advance of starting a cross-examination if it could support your client’s case. D