From the cross-examiner's perspective, what is the purpose of the attorney?

The primary purpose of the attorney from the cross-examiner's perspective is to challenge the credibility of the witnesses, which often includes law enforcement officers. This involves scrutinizing their statements, revealing inconsistencies, and questioning their reliability in order to cast doubt on the evidence presented. By effectively undermining an officer's credibility, the attorney seeks to strengthen their case or weaken the opposing side's argument in the eyes of the jury.

While showing evidence or attempting to present oneself positively can play a role in a trial, those actions are secondary to the broader strategy of establishing doubt about the reliability of witness testimony. Focusing on the credibility of the officer can greatly influence the jury's perception and the overall outcome of the case.