206: Conducting Cross-Examination of Witnesses
William Saxton, Esq., Butzel, Long, Gust, Klein & Van Zile, P.C.
Theodore Sachs, Esq., Sachs, Nunn, Kates, Kadushin, O’Hare, et al, P.C.
Highlights:
Lecture by Mr. Sachs:
Cross-Examination occurs after the other side has used the witness to enter their proofs.
Cross-Examination is used to get admissions favorable to your case and discredit testimony unfavorable to your case.
Be methodical, but not over zealous.
Cross-Examination favors leading the witness.
Phrase questions so that they require yes or no answers.
Don’t ask questions unless you know what the answer will be.
Lecture by Mr. Saxton:
Cross-Examination can be especially useful to damage a witness when documents are available to contradict the testimony on Direct.
Try to anticipate what witnesses the other side will call, and make a skeletal list of questions for each.
Ask friendly questions at first to get the witness off guard.
As for your own witnesses, prepare them for cross-examination by telling them what to expect.
| Format | Two lectures |
|---|---|
| Length | 56 Minutes |
| Management’s View | William Saxton, Esq., Butzel, Long, Gust, Klein & Van Zile, P.C. |
| Labor’s View | Theodore Sachs, Esq., Sachs, Nunn, Kates, Kadushin, O’Hare, et al, P.C. |