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Can you cross-examine yourself?

Can you cross-examine yourself?

Cross examination is asking questions to your opponent’s witnesses. On cross, you are allowed to ask leading questions. Don’t submit evidence against yourself or ask questions which may weaken your case.

How do you conduct a cross-examination?

Establish and maintain your control over the witness by following the traditional rules of cross-examination: Ask only leading questions, ask only questions which can be answered with a “yes” or “no” (if possible in a situation where either answer hurts the witness) and never ask a question unless, first, it is …

What are some cross-examination questions?

Your cross-examination can also include questions about the witness’s underlying motivations for testifying or any bias that the witness may have in favor of the other party or against you. For example, you could ask: Isn’t it true that you owe the other party money?

Can you refuse to be cross examined?

The right to cross-examine an opposing party’s witnesses has always been a fundamental tool for testing the truth of testimony. When a wit- ness denies a party this right by refusing to answer relevant questions, the traditional solution has been to excise all of that witness’ testimony from the record.

How long is cross-examination?

The overwhelming majority of witnesses can be cross-examined in 30 minutes or less even in very complicated cases. Effective cross-examination makes a point quickly and keeps the jury engaged from the moment you ask your first question until you pass the witness for re-direct.

Can I question an officer?

No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail.

What are the implications of not cross-examining a witness?

Failure to cross-examine a witness on a particular important point may lead the court to infer that the crossexamining party accepts the witnessꞌ evidence, and it will be difficult to suggest that the evidence should be rejected.