| name | cross-examination-summaries |
| title | Cross-Examination Summary |
| description | Generates thematic cross-examination summaries from deposition transcripts, sworn statements, and discovery materials with precise page-and-line citations. Highlights inconsistencies, impeachable admissions, and favorable concessions in a trial-ready format. Use when preparing witness cross-examination, building impeachment strategy, or synthesizing testimony across multiple witnesses. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/cross-examination-summaries |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | general |
| practice | litigation |
| language | en |
Cross-Examination Summary
Transforms raw witness testimony and discovery materials into a thematically organized impeachment reference with exact citations for courtroom use.
Prerequisites
- Deposition transcript(s) — page and line numbers intact
- Prior sworn statements — affidavits, interrogatory responses, hearing testimony
- Informal statements — emails, texts, recorded communications
- Relevant exhibits — documents or other witness statements that contradict or corroborate
- Case theory summary — client's narrative and key issues
Output Structure
1. Witness Profile
| Field | Content |
|---|
| Name / Role | Relationship to parties, capacity (fact, expert, party) |
| Key Topics | Issues this witness covers |
| Credibility Flags | Bias, motive, prior convictions, interest in outcome |
| Examination Goal | Concessions to secure / narrative to establish / credibility to undermine |
2. Thematic Sections
Organize by case issue, not transcript chronology. Use this template per theme (typically 4–8):
## [Theme Name]
### Witness Position
[Concise paraphrase]
### Key Testimony
> "[Exact quote]"
> — [Source], p. [X], ll. [Y–Z]
### Inconsistencies / Contradictions
- Prior statement: "[Quote]" — [Source], p. [X], ll. [Y–Z]
- Contradicting exhibit: [Ex. No.], [relevant portion]
- Other witness: [Name], [Source], p. [X], ll. [Y–Z]
### Favorable Concessions
- [Undisputable fact] — [Source], p. [X], ll. [Y–Z]
### Knowledge / Perception Gaps
- Lacks personal knowledge of [X] — [Source], p. [X], ll. [Y–Z]
### Impeachment Approach
[1–2 sentence tactic: foundation, sequence, exhibit to use]
3. Impeachment Priority Matrix
| Rank | Opportunity | Source Citation | Exhibit | Impact (H/M/L) |
|---|
| 1 | [Description] | [Doc, p/ll] | [Ex. No.] | H / M / L |
4. Concessions Checklist
Facts to lock in early, before confrontational impeachment:
