assigned to it, and so exposing yourself to a rebuke
from the Judge. Remember, then, that the object
of re-examination is simply to obtain from the
witness an explanation of that which he had said
in cross-examination. The necessity for giving to
a witness such an opportunity proceeds from the
system adopted in our courts of eliciting evidence
by means of questions. A witness does not tell
his story without interruption, as is the practice in
most of the law courts on the continent, but he is
required to answer the questions of Counsel, and
seldom permitted to do more, or to accompany his
answer with an explanation. A skilful Advocate,
in his cross-examination, avails himself of this to
obtain such answers only as suit his purpose,
excluding the explanations that might give them
another meaning. It is the duty of the Advocate
on the other side to note such replies, and on re-
examination to give to his witness the opportunity
for explanation denied to him before. Hence the
necessity for keeping a very observant eye upon
your witness while he is under cross-examuaation,
so that you may discover any desire he may exhibit
to give an explanation of an answer, or to add
something that might modify its apparent import.
