Glossary
Cross-examination
The questioning of a witness by the side that didn't call them. Lawyers can ask leading questions on cross: questions that suggest the answer: which they can't on direct examination of their own witnesses.
Cross-examination is the part of a trial that looks dramatic on TV. The opposing lawyer gets to challenge the witness's story: point out inconsistencies, expose biases, force the witness to admit things they don't want to admit.
Effective cross is mostly about asking short, leading questions that the witness can only answer yes or no. Long open-ended questions on cross usually backfire: they let the witness explain away problems instead of locking in damaging answers.