ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

The primary purpose of cross-examination in a trial is to discredit the opposing witness's testimony. This process allows the attorney conducting the cross-examination to challenge the credibility and reliability of the witness, revealing inconsistencies, biases, or inaccuracies in their statements. By doing so, the attorney aims to undermine the impact of the witness's testimony on the jury or judge, ultimately influencing the outcome of the trial in favor of their case.

While gathering more evidence and establishing the timeline of events may have their place in the overall trial process, these are not the main goals of cross-examination. Instead, cross-examination focuses on scrutinizing the opposing side's case and demonstrating weaknesses in their arguments or evidence through questioning. Presenting the defense's case typically occurs during the case-in-chief, where the defense has the opportunity to introduce evidence and argue its position, rather than during cross-examination.