After the claimant's witnesses are examined in chief, who cross-examines them?

• A. The defendant's counsel
• B. The claimant's counsel
• C. The judge
• D. The court clerk

Answer: (A)

Cross-examination is carried out by the opposing party’s advocate. After the claimant’s witnesses have been examined in chief, the defendant’s counsel questions them to test the evidence, challenge memory or credibility, and expose any inconsistencies. The claimant’s counsel would not cross-examine their own witnesses; they may conduct a brief re-examination afterward to clarify points raised during cross-examination. The judge may question witnesses at times, but the formal cross-examination is by the other side, and the court clerk does not perform cross-examination.