Exam 8: Scientific Evidence and Testing

Questioning of a witness by the opposing party on matters within the scope of the direct examination, usually to discredit the testimony of the witness is called:

The initial questioning of a witness by the plaintiff or party calling the witness to the stand is called direct examination.

Other than certain exceptions for hearsay, witnesses are not required to testify in person.

All of the following are exceptions to the general rule that witnesses must testify in court and are acceptable reasons for unavailability:

In conjunction with the oath or affirmation, witnesses may be subject to criminal perjury charges or contempt of court for testifying untruthfully on the stand.

Cross-examination will only question what the witness perceived and can remember and communicate, but not attack the character and credibility of the witness.

All of the following are purposes of cross-examination, except:

It is the trier of fact who will determine the credibility of a particular witness and how much weight to assign that witness'ss evidence or testimony.

Restoring credibility of the witness after credibility has been attacked on the stand is called

The party bringing the legal action-the plaintiff in a civil case or prosecution in a criminal case-has the responsibility of first calling witnesses and presenting evidence.

After a witness has been cross-examined by the opposing party, the original party that called the witness to the stand may conduct a reexamination, called:

In this case, the Supreme Court dealt with the issue of whether asking a witness where he lives go beyond the scope of a proper cross-examination.

After a witness has been cross-examined by the opposing party, the original party that called the witness to the stand may not question the witness again.

Evidence obtained from outside the courtroom is called

Once a witness begins to testify and is examined through questioning by each party, the emphasis shifts from competency to credibility; how believable that witness will be to the trier of fact.

Although as a general rule, witnesses are expected to provide their testimony in court at the trial, there are exceptions when the witness is unavailable for trial.

When a witness is unable to refresh her memory by reviewing notes or writing, that witness may not testify, but the document may be read from into evidence. This is called:

In questioning a witness who is unable to remember something asked on the stand, it is permissible to jog the memory of that witness by letting the witness refer to a writing or object. This is called:

Which of the following is not part of the usual form of questioning for direct examination of a witness?

Witnesses should not be "prepared" for trial by the side calling them or helped to understand what will be asked on the stand and what the trial process will involve.