On cross-examination of expert witnesses

Cross-examination is a very powerful weapon in court trials. Its success is measured by the final effect on the problem of proof. It can elicit favourable facts to one's case and also show that the witness is not worthy of credence or that his evidence is unacceptable. However pointless and endless cross-examination may prejudice the court against the case. A single question may make an opening for a flood of evidence. One unnecessary question may destroy a series of valuable answers and the whole case. There are occasions when silence is golden. A number of pertinent examples are cited to illustrate the values and pitfalls of cross-examination.