What is "recross" in legal proceedings?

"Recross" refers to the questioning that follows a redirect examination in legal proceedings. After a witness has been cross-examined by one party's attorney, the same attorney may have the opportunity to conduct a redirect examination to clarify or add to information provided in cross-examination. Following this, the opposing party may then conduct a recross-examination, allowing them to ask further questions to challenge or clarify any points that arose during redirect.

Understanding this process is crucial because it underscores the importance of the roles of both direct and cross-examinations in establishing a witness's credibility and the reliability of their testimony. It illustrates the dynamic nature of witness examination in court, where attorneys have multiple opportunities to scrutinize the information presented. The effectiveness of recross can significantly influence the jury's perception of the testimony given.