Each of the following statements concerning cross-examination of witnesses in adversarial jurisdictions is accurate EXCEPT:

The correct answer is D because it is the statement that is not accurate. In adversarial jurisdictions, cross-examination is generally not used primarily to discover previously unknown information. Instead, opposing counsel usually cross-examines a witness to diminish the importance of the witness’s testimony, obtain admissions that support the opposing side, or attack the witness’s report, opinion, or credibility. The Manual makes clear that one of the major goals of cross-examination is to discredit the testimony or the witness.

Option A is accurate because the CFE Manual advises witnesses that if opposing counsel asks an overly complex, long, or imprecise question, the witness should ask for it to be rephrased into smaller components. Option B is also accurate because discrediting the witness or the witness’s opinion is a recognized goal of cross-examination. Option C is accurate as well; the Manual states that opposing counsel’s “golden rule” is to cross-examine only if it would benefit the case. Accordingly, D is the exception because cross-examination is a controlled advocacy tool, not mainly a device for open-ended information discovery.