Understanding and mastering the art of cross-examination is critical in any trial setting. This program addresses foundational theory and explore practical applications. Topics include: the theory of cross-examination within the adversarial advocacy system, effective planning and preparation for cross-examination, cross-examination of sexual offence complainants and vulnerable witnesses, impeachment, and dealing with difficult witnesses. Faculty includes experienced counsel who practice in the areas of civil litigation, criminal law, and family law, along with members of the judiciary. These on-demand programs were originally presented on March 5, 2024. The total running time for each presentation ranges between 36 minutes and 1 hour, 5 minutes.

The goal, first and foremost, of cross-examination is to aid in the truth seeking process of litigation. A good cross-examination, well prepared and well executed, helps that process not simply by “attacking” unhelpful evidence, but rather by also obtaining evidence from the other side’s witnesses that is helpful to our client’s theory of the case. Explore strategies to impeach a witness and provides suggestions for dealing with difficult witnesses. This on-demand program was originally presented on March 5, 2024 as part of Practice Foundations: Cross Examinations.  Total running time is 1 hour.

Understanding and mastering the art of cross-examination is critical in any trial setting. From the perspective of experienced counsel, this roundtable discussion explores topics of interest to litigators in their early years of practice including advice the panelists would give to themselves if they could go back to their early years of practice, common mistakes they see counsel make in cross-examination, and how they organize their cross-examination materials. This on-demand program was originally presented on March 5, 2024 as part of Practice Foundations: Cross Examinations.  Total running time is 55 minutes.

The use of a prior inconsistent statement to impeach a witness’ testimony is an effective tool in cross-examination that serves to undermine a witness’ credibility or reliability and weaken the opponent’s case. This paper explores the legislative framework for impeachments, provides a practical strategy to impeach a witness, and provides suggestions for dealing with difficult witnesses. This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Practice Foundations: Cross-Examinations program in Calgary on February 27, 2024 and in Edmonton on March 5, 2024.