Cross Examination

Effective impeachment requires precision, not improvisation. Match prior statements exactly, control the witness through tight logistics, read the contradiction clearly, then move on.

Impeachment is a skill learned by practice, not rules. Learn the mechanics first, then understand how evidence rules—especially hearsay and prior statements—apply.

Refreshing recollection is riskier than impeachment but useful when done carefully. It can pressure a witness, correct a denial, and keep control without escalating conflict.

On minor points, impeachment isn’t always optimal. Refreshing recollection can fix a “light no” while preserving flow, tone, and witness cooperation.

To get clean yes/no answers, don’t start with the impeachment question. Use a series of simple, uncontested yes/no questions as a “runway.” This makes it much harder for a witness to evade the key admission.