ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a cross-examination?

1. To question witnesses in favor of the defense

2. To question witnesses to strengthen the prosecution’s case

3. To provide closing arguments

4. To introduce new evidence

The correct answer is: To question witnesses to strengthen the prosecution’s case

The purpose of cross-examination is to question witnesses to challenge their testimony and, ultimately, to strengthen the party's case that is conducting the cross-examination. This phase of a legal proceeding is crucial because it allows attorneys to test the credibility and reliability of witnesses. By pinpointing inconsistencies, highlighting biases, or revealing gaps in a witness's knowledge, the attorney can undermine the opposing party's arguments, thereby reinforcing their own case. During cross-examination, an attorney has the opportunity to probe the details of the witness's testimony, often using leading questions to elicit specific responses that can favor their case. This strategy is fundamental in both civil and criminal trials, as it can sway the jury's perception of the evidence presented and impact the outcome of the case significantly. In contrast to the other options, cross-examination does not focus on introducing new evidence, providing closing arguments, or exclusively advocating for one side without examining opposing testimonies, which are essential functions served at different stages of legal proceedings. The effectiveness of cross-examination lies in its capacity to critically assess witness statements, thereby directly affecting the strength and credibility of the arguments being presented in the trial.