Planning a Killer Cross of Any Witness

Most seminars on cross examination focus on courtroom technique. But the key to a killer cross depends at least as much on the plan and preparation going in. This workshop shows how to plan a killer cross of any witness—lay or expert—no matter how experienced, intelligent, or well coached that witness may be. The plan begins with identifying the most fertile areas for examination, as well as those areas to avoid at all costs. This plan requires understanding the scope and limits of the witness’s knowledge, work, and experience, and some understanding of the witness’s psyche. Planning the killer cross also involves selecting the right case frames and vocabulary that will tie in well to the rest of the case. Finally, planning the killer cross requires sequencing the questions for buildup and maximum dramatic impact.

This workshop discusses how our method of planning for killer cross can be used to conduct killer cross examinations of any witness, including:

• The “professional” defense expert
• The “he said, she said” sexual assault defendant
• The medical doctor with no testifying history and impeccable credentials
• The corporate representative