What process allows one side of a criminal case to question a witness after the initial questioning is completed?

The process that allows one side of a criminal case to question a witness after the initial questioning is completed is known as cross-examination. This occurs after the witness has been questioned by the opposing side during their direct examination. During cross-examination, the attorney for the opposite party has the opportunity to challenge the witness's statements, credibility, and recollection of facts, which can help to highlight inconsistencies or persuade the judge or jury to question the reliability of the testimony given.

Cross-examination plays a vital role in the adversarial system of justice, ensuring that both sides have the chance to scrutinize the evidence and the statements of those present. It serves to balance the full spectrum of perspectives on the matter at hand.

The other processes mentioned serve different purposes within a trial context. Direct examination is the initial questioning of a witness by the party who called them to testify, while redirect examination follows cross-examination and allows the original party to clarify or expand on points made during cross-examination. Re-examination, although a term sometimes used, generally refers to repeated questioning during the same examination, which isn't commonly designated as a formal stage like direct or cross-examination.