Cross-Examination Question Generation
Generate structured cross-examination questions based on witness testimony, documents, and case issues, with anticipated responses and follow-ups. Reduces cross-exam preparation by 60-75%.
60-75% reduction in cross-exam preparation
Comprehensive coverage of impeachment opportunities
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
The Problem
- ✗Time-intensive witness preparation
- ✗Difficulty covering all potential topics
- ✗Risk of missing impeachment opportunities
- ✗Challenge of anticipating witness responses
- ✗Coordination across multiple witnesses
How Claude Helps
Analyzes witness depositions and statements, identifies weaknesses and inconsistencies, generates leading questions, organizes questions by topic and strategy, and anticipates potential witness responses.
Step-by-Step Workflow
Compile witness materials
Deposition, documents, statements
Define cross-examination objectives
Key admissions and themes
Run question generation
Claude drafts structured questions
Review and select questions
Prioritize by strategy
Organize by topic and strategy
Opening, confrontation, impeachment, closing
Practice and refine
Before trial
Example Prompt
Prepare cross-examination questions for John Smith based on his deposition. CROSS-EXAMINATION OBJECTIVES: 1. Establish he knew the software was being used beyond license scope 2. Undermine his credibility regarding the audit response 3. Highlight inconsistencies with documentary evidence WITNESS BACKGROUND: - Former VP Engineering at defendant company - Authored several emails about usage concerns - Denied knowledge of license breach in deposition DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE TO USE: - Exhibit 14: His email discussing "usage beyond what we licensed" - Exhibit 23: Usage report showing overages - Exhibit 31: His memo recommending true-up payment Generate: 1. Opening questions (establish rapport, baseline facts) 2. Document confrontation questions (for each exhibit) 3. Impeachment questions (deposition vs. documents) 4. Closing questions (lock in admissions) Format each question with: - Expected answer - Follow-up if witness denies - Document reference to confront with
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Claude account for different witness personalities?
Describe the witness's demeanor and tendencies. Claude can adjust question style (more direct, more patient) based on your assessment.
How do I handle objections?
Instruct Claude to draft questions that avoid common objection grounds (leading on direct, assumes facts not in evidence, etc.).
Can Claude help with redirect preparation?
Yes. Provide the expected cross-examination and instruct Claude to prepare redirect questions to rehabilitate the witness.