ristiintarkastelut

Ristiintarkastelut, often translated as cross-examinations, are a fundamental part of legal proceedings in many common law jurisdictions. They refer to the questioning of a witness by the opposing party after that witness has already testified on direct examination by the party who called them. The primary purpose of cross-examination is to test the credibility of the witness, uncover inconsistencies in their testimony, and elicit information that may be favorable to the cross-examining party's case.

During cross-examination, lawyers are generally allowed to ask leading questions, which are questions that suggest a particular answer. This contrasts with direct examination, where leading questions are typically prohibited. The scope of cross-examination is usually limited to the matters raised during direct examination, although courts may allow some latitude to explore relevant issues. Attorneys aim to challenge the witness's memory, perception, bias, or the accuracy of their statements.

The process of cross-examination is a crucial mechanism for ensuring fairness and revealing the truth in a trial. It allows the adversarial system to function by presenting opposing viewpoints and testing the evidence presented by each side. A skilled cross-examiner can significantly impact the outcome of a case by undermining a key witness or introducing new evidence through their questioning. Conversely, a poorly handled cross-examination can inadvertently strengthen a witness's testimony.