What is the purpose of cross-examination in a trial?

The purpose of cross-examination in a trial is to challenge the witness's testimony and credibility. During this phase of the trial, the opposing party has the opportunity to ask questions that may highlight inconsistencies, biases, or inaccuracies in what the witness has stated during direct examination. This process is critical in assessing the reliability of the witness's account and ultimately influences the jury's perception of the evidence presented.

Effective cross-examination can reveal nuances in testimony that may not have been apparent initially, potentially undermining the witness's reliability or the overall argument of the party that called the witness. The ability to dissect a witness's statements and address their credibility is a key strategy in legal arguments, aiming to build doubt or reinforce the case's weaknesses.

The other options address different aspects of witness testimony and trial procedure but do not accurately capture the fundamental role of cross-examination in a trial. For instance, the first option suggests that the goal is to provide an uninterrupted narrative, which pertains more to direct examination than cross-examination. Introducing new evidence is not applicable to this phase, as cross-examination focuses on the existing testimony rather than presenting new facts. Lastly, summarizing the case for the jury does not align with the objective of cross-examination; rather,