An interactive course to provide confidence in conducting cross-examination of witnesses in a criminal trial. Delegates are presented with techniques and methods of preparation for questioning witnesses with the guidance given on how to avoid pitfalls in court.
Cross-examination of witnesses by the delegates within the context of a trial process is discussed with constructive analysis and feedback. Delegates can also review a recording of their performance following the session.
Audience
This course is popular with both new entrants to the profession looking to conduct court work and with more experienced practitioners (including Higher Court Advocates) who want to brush up on their skills and fine-tune their cross-examination techniques.
Key Benefits
- Use effective questioning techniques;
- Understand the impact of their communication style;
- Be aware of the importance of active listening;
- Demonstrate confidence and assertiveness to tackle any witness;
- Challenge evidence in a coherent and organised manner;
- Recognise supportive facts to be obtained from a witness; and
- Identify key areas to be addressed in cross-examination, highlighting what the advocate would ideally like to say about the witness in a closing speech.
Live Online – 22 October 2025
- Advocacy Advanced
Initial guidance from the trainer on techniques to build confidence in cross-examination. Case study examples from real court experiences enhance the learning process.
You will be sent a case study in advance to acquaint yourself with the facts in readiness for the course. On the day you will prepare with guidance from the trainer to cross-examine a witness. The cross-examination is recorded and played back with individual constructive feedback from the trainer. As this is a group session, delegates also each play a witness role to facilitate cross-examination by another. This gives valuable insight into how a witness feels and reacts under cross-examination. Also, you benefit from feedback upon other delegates in the group.
Recorded demonstrations of various aspects of cross-examination illustrate some of the techniques advised and facilitates correction of some of the more common errors made.
A round-up at the end of the day highlights the benefits of different styles of approach. The techniques discussed in the opening session and others that have emerged build upon the lessons learnt throughout the day.
- How cross-examination can be more focussed;
- How to keep control of the witness;
- How to put your case and avoid inferences;
- How to make best use of previous inconsistent statements;
- How to know when enough is enough; and
- How to cross-examine expert witnesses.
It is assumed that you have some experience within the field of criminal law.
Pre-Course Work
Reading the case study in advance enables you to contribute to discussions and to prepare for the various cross-examination exercises.
Post-Course Work
Subsequent reflection on skills and techniques learnt and how they can be applied in practice.
| A1 | Act honestly and with integrity, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and the SRA Handbook and Code of Conduct; |
| A2 | Maintain the level of competence and legal knowledge needed to practise effectively, taking into account changes in their role and/or practice context and developments in the law; |
| A4 | Draw on a sufficient detailed knowledge and understanding of their field(s) of work and role in order to practise effectively; |
| A5 | Apply understanding, critical thinking and analysis to solve problems; |
| B1 | Obtain relevant facts; |
| B2 | Undertake legal research; |
| B3 | Develop and advise on relevant options, strategies and solutions; |
| B5 | Undertake effective spoken and written advocacy; |
| B6 | Negotiate solutions to clients’ issues; |
| B7 | Plan, manage and progress legal cases and transactions; |
| C1 | Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; |
| C2 | Establish and maintain effective and professional relations with clients; |
| C3 | Establish and maintain effective and professional relations with other people; and |
| D1 | Initiate, plan, prioritise and manage work activities and projects to ensure that they are completed effectively, on time and to an appropriate standard, both in relation to their own work and work that they lead or supervise. |