California Private Investigator Practice Exam

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What is the term for questioning an opposing witness to elicit specific answers?

Direct examination
Cross-examination
Re-direct examination
Deposition

The correct answer is: Cross-examination

The correct term for questioning an opposing witness to elicit specific answers is cross-examination. This phase of witness examination occurs after the direct examination and allows the questioning attorney to challenge the credibility of the witness, clarify their previous statements, and potentially uncover inconsistencies in their testimony. The goal is to test the reliability of the testimony provided during the direct examination and to influence the judge or jury's perception of the witness's reliability. Direct examination refers to the initial questioning of a witness by the party that called them, focused on obtaining factual information that supports their case. Re-direct examination is a follow-up questioning of the witness by the original party after cross-examination, aimed at clarifying or reinforcing the witness's prior statements. A deposition is a pre-trial procedure where a witness's sworn testimony is recorded in advance of the trial, but it does not occur in the courtroom setting and is not a method of questioning opposing witnesses during a trial.