The 10 Commandments of Cross Examination

Here are Professor Irwin Younger's Ten Commandments of Cross Examination. Professor Younger was a lawyer, judge, law professor, writer and legal historian. The Ten Commandments are an effective tool for pointing out flaws in your opponent's case and, if used properly will render even the most damaging witness moot. I post them because the website I had gone to before to get them had been taken down. I think these words should be preserved in as many places as possible.

1. Be brief.
2. Short questions, plain words.
3. Always ask leading questions.
4. Don't ask a question to which you do not know the answer.
5. Listen to the witness' answers.
6. Don't quarrel with the witness.
7. Don't allow the witness to repeat his direct testimony.
8. Don't permit the witness to explain his answers.
9. Don't ask the "one question too many."
10. Save the ultimate point of your cross for summation.