Cross-examination is defined as the questioning conducted by which party after the direct examination?

• A. The prosecution
• B. The defense
• C. The judge
• D. During the defense's questioning after the direct examination

Answer: (D)

Cross-examination is the questioning conducted by the party who did not call the witness, after that witness has been directly examined. The goal is to test the reliability of the testimony, reveal any inconsistencies, and assess credibility. In most criminal trials, that means the defense questions a prosecution witness after the prosecution finishes its direct examination (and vice versa if the roles are reversed and the defense calls a witness). The judge presides and rules on objections, but does not perform the cross-examination as a routine part of the process.