Right Methodology of Recording Cross Examination?
In a criminal trial the what is the right methodology of recording the cross examination of a witness?
(a) By recording the Questions put to the witness and the answer given by the witness ad verbatim or
(b) Recording the substance of the Questions and answers in a paragraph form
Example of recording as per (a) methodology
Q: In the Chief u have said that u were stabbed from the Back whereas in the Statement to the Police u/s 161 you have said that the accused came from the Front and stabbed you suddenly. What is the correct version?
A: I don’t remember
Example of recording as per (b) methodology
The witness stated that he did not remember whether he was stabbed from Back or Front
To my mind the option (b) is likely to result in aberrations and may prejudice the accused.
Learned members are requested to discuss and comment