CROSS-EXAMINATION. The examination of a witness on behalf of the party against whose interest he has been called and has given testimony. The object is to test the correctness of the testimony given, to disclose any prejudice, lack of intelligence, weakness of memory, or un truthfulness that may exist. and to break in any proper way the force of the direct examination. Greater latitude is allowed to counsel ill •ross examination of an adverse witness than in ad ducing direct testimony for his own client. Thus, 'leading questions'—that is, those in their form suggest or indicate the answer de sired—are allowed in cross hut not in direct ex amination. in the United States generally it is held that cross-examination be limited to inquiry into matters drawn out 011 the direct examination. and if counsel asks questions as to new matter he thereby makes the witness his own. and. as to such questions, •ou•hes for the
truthfulness of his testimony.
Counsel must confine the questions to material and relevant matters; but the determination of whether the facts sought to be shown may be considered such is in the discretion of the court, and. when occasion seems to demand it, this is exercised, especially in eases of cross-examina tion of export witnesses, When' it is necc,,ary to show the standing and ability of the ex pert. Previous mistakes in collateral matters not connected in any Way With the cause in is,me ha•o been allowed to lie shown on this point.
The right to should be ex ercised immediately after the examination-in chief: but it is in the discretion of the court, upon good reason shown, in allow the privi lege at a later stage of the trial. See EVI DENCE: EXA IN ; TESTI MoN : 'WITNESS ; TRIAL.