ristküsitlust

Ristküsitlust is an Estonian term that translates to "cross-examination" in English. It refers to the process of questioning a witness in a legal proceeding by the opposing party or their counsel. 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 examining party's case.

During a trial, after a witness has been presented by one party (direct examination), the other party has the opportunity to conduct a cross-examination. This questioning is typically more focused and can be more challenging than direct examination, as the goal is to probe for weaknesses or biases. Attorneys may ask leading questions, which suggest the answer, to guide the witness. They can also introduce evidence to contradict the witness's statements.

The scope of cross-examination is generally broader than direct examination, allowing attorneys to explore areas that may not have been covered by the initial questioning. However, the judge retains the authority to limit cross-examination if it becomes repetitive, irrelevant, or unnecessarily harassing to the witness. The effectiveness of cross-examination can significantly influence the jury's perception of the witness's testimony and, consequently, the outcome of the trial.