Section 10.1 Introduction

• Library: Civil Trial Practice 2015 Supp

I.(§10.1) Introduction

Cross-examination is an important safeguard to accuracy and truthfulness. “Its purpose is to sift, modify or explain what has been said, to develop new or old facts in a view favorable to the cross-examiner or to discredit the witness.” Hungate v. Hudson,185 S.W.2d 646, 649 (Mo. 1945).

While some attorneys may be more gifted than others in the art of cross-examination, thorough preparation and an understanding of some fundamental rules will permit virtually any practitioner to...