Evidence: Examination & Impeachment

The majority of evidence at trial is admitted through the examination of witnesses. This usually proceeds in a two or three part format. The attorney calling the witness conducts a direct examination.  The opposing counsel may then cross-examine the witness in an attempt to "impeach" the witness by showing their testimony to be somehow false, unreliable, or of little importance.  The proferring attorney then has the option of a re-direct examination to explain or elaborate on information revealed during cross-examination or "rehabilitate" the witness's credibility.