If a neighbor gives a statement to the police at a scene but later cannot recall the details in court, what process occurs?

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In this scenario, when a witness, such as a neighbor, provides a statement to the police but struggles to recall the details during court proceedings, the legal process of cross-examination comes into play. Cross-examination is utilized to challenge the witness's testimony and test their credibility. It allows the opposing party to question the witness about their previous statements, which may highlight inconsistencies or gaps in memory. This can be crucial for assessing the reliability of the testimony presented by the witness.

While direct examination involves the initial questioning by the party who called the witness, cross-examination focuses on the opposing side's efforts to extract further information or clarification. In this case, the inability to recall details during the court proceedings raises questions that might be addressed during cross-examination, making it a fitting response to the situation described.

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