
Cross-Examination on Trial
Advocacy and Vulnerability in Criminal Trials
Bristol University Press
1st Edition
Published on 6. November 2025
Book
Hardback
216 pages
978-1-5292-2722-2 (ISBN)
Description
Amid growing public concern about the negative effect cross-examination has on vulnerable witnesses, this book examines the effect of recent reforms to the practice across the different jurisdictions of the UK and Ireland.
Drawing on observations and transcripts of trials and interviews with judges, advocates and intermediaries, the book provides an evaluation of cross-examination in trials involving vulnerable witnesses and the extent to which reforms are producing meaningful change. The book's analysis sheds new light on the significance of cross-examination in criminal trials and provides evidence-based solutions for further changes to enable vulnerable witnesses to give their best evidence to the court.
Drawing on observations and transcripts of trials and interviews with judges, advocates and intermediaries, the book provides an evaluation of cross-examination in trials involving vulnerable witnesses and the extent to which reforms are producing meaningful change. The book's analysis sheds new light on the significance of cross-examination in criminal trials and provides evidence-based solutions for further changes to enable vulnerable witnesses to give their best evidence to the court.
Reviews / Votes
'Authoritative and insightful, drawing on original empirical research to develop comprehensive and contemporary perspectives on the laws and policies discussed.' Andrew Choo, Monash University 'A comprehensive and formidable analysis of cross-examination and adversarial criminal trial reform in support of the vulnerable.' Tyrone Kirchengast, The University of Sydney Law School 'The authors have meticulously tracked a cultural revolution, the modernisation of cross-examination. I believe this book is essential reading for anyone who cares about obtaining the best evidence in court.' Penny Cooper, author and barrister (rtd)More details
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bristol
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
9 s/w Tabellen, 3 s/w Abbildungen
9 Tables, black and white; 3 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 241 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
460 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5292-2722-2 (9781529227222)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Jonathan Doak | John Jackson | Debbie Cooper
Cross-Examination on Trial
Advocacy and Vulnerability in Criminal Trials
E-Book
11/2025
1st Edition
Bristol University Press
€47.49
Available for download
Persons
Jonathan Doak is Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Criminal Justice at Nottingham Trent University.
John Jackson is Professor Emeritus of Comparative Criminal Law and Procedure at the University of Nottingham.
Debbie Cooper is Associate Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham and Visiting Research Fellow at Nottingham Trent University.
Candida Saunders is a legal researcher, formerly Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Nottingham.
David Wright is an Associate Professor in Linguistics at Nottingham Trent University.
John Jackson is Professor Emeritus of Comparative Criminal Law and Procedure at the University of Nottingham.
Debbie Cooper is Associate Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham and Visiting Research Fellow at Nottingham Trent University.
Candida Saunders is a legal researcher, formerly Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Nottingham.
David Wright is an Associate Professor in Linguistics at Nottingham Trent University.
Author
Nottingham Trent University
University of Nottingham
University of Nottingham
University of Nottingham
Nottingham Trent University
Content
1. Mapping the Changing Face of Cross-Examination
2. Reform in Context
3. Pre-recorded Cross-Examination and Ground Rules Hearings
4. Shaping Cross-Examination through Intermediaries
5. Cross-Examination at Trial
6. The Language of Cross-Examination
7. The Changing Culture of Cross-Examination
8. Cross-Examination in Transition
2. Reform in Context
3. Pre-recorded Cross-Examination and Ground Rules Hearings
4. Shaping Cross-Examination through Intermediaries
5. Cross-Examination at Trial
6. The Language of Cross-Examination
7. The Changing Culture of Cross-Examination
8. Cross-Examination in Transition