Cross-examination for Investigative Reporters - Guide

Published by Forum for African Investigative Reporters (FAIR), this manual discusses various techniques used to build a story, analyse information from sources, and possibly discredit lying interviewees through cross-examination. Used as part of a course offered by the author, Heinrich Böhmke, the manual is based on some of the same principles used in legal proceedings, which rely on cross examination to weigh evidence. As stated in the guide, cross examination is "meant to expose untruthful, misleading, incomplete, biased, inaccurate or mistaken testimony so that disputes of fact can be justly decided." The manual is intended to provide guidance to looking for, assessing, and documenting information to access the truth behind a story.
The manual has the following chapters:

• Introduction
• How cross-examination improves investigative reporting
1. Assessing believability
2. Organising interview preparation
3. Developing story theory
4. Applying questioning techniques
• Sources consulted
• Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics