CFE – Law — Question 54

Each of the following statements concerning cross-examination of witnesses adversarial systems is accurate EXCEPT:

Answer options

• A. If opposing counsel asks an overly complex question, the witness should ask that the question be rephrased.
• B. One of the goals of cross-examination is to discredit the witness’s testimony.
• C. Opposing counsel will generally not cross-examine a witness unless doing so would help the case.
• D. During cross-examination, opposing counsel is mostly concerned with discovering information previously undiscovered in the case.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

Option C is correct because opposing counsel often engages in cross-examination to challenge the witness's credibility or to find inconsistencies, regardless of whether it appears beneficial at first. Options A, B, and D are accurate statements about the purposes and processes involved in cross-examination.