Cross-examination and the Vulnerable Witness
Cross-examination and the Vulnerable Witness
This chapter examines the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses in Great Britain. Cross-examination is lauded within the common law tradition as the definitive forensic device for exposing testimonial infirmity. However, victomological study of trial proceedings has revealed the extent to which cross-examination is used as a tool to humiliate, intimidate, and confuse opposing witnesses. In addition, cross-examination is littered with linguistic devices and interrogative techniques that disadvantage those with language capacity limited by immaturity or disability.
Keywords: cross-examination, vulnerable witness, Great Britain, testimonial infirmity, trial proceedings, linguistic devices, interrogative techniques
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