How do I cross-examine a witness?

Cross-examining witnesses is an important part of presenting a case in court. The purpose of cross-examination is to challenge the testimony of the witness to uncover any inconsistencies that could help refute the witness’s claims. In Maryland, cross-examination follows direct examination, which establishes the foundation of the witness’s testimony. When cross-examining a witness, the first step is to ask general questions to establish the witness’s knowledge of the case. Ask the witness to explain the situation that led to the court case and to describe the events surrounding it. A witness cannot testify to matters outside of their own knowledge, so stick to questions that the witness can answer. The next step is to ask questions that challenge the evidence. Ask the witness to clarify any statements that might be unclear. After that, present your argument and ask leading questions that contradict the witness’s testimony. Make sure that you avoid speaking in a hostile or argumentative manner. Be sure to remain polite and civil throughout the cross-examination. Once you have finished questioning the witness, the judge may ask the witness to respond to any more points that need to be addressed. Finally, the lawyer for the other side has the opportunity to redirect the witness’s testimony. By following these steps, you can effectively cross-examine a witness in a Maryland court.

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