---
name: cross-examination
description: Probes defender responses for inconsistencies, logical gaps, and unsupported claims. Acts as follow-up interrogation after initial defense.
execution: subagent
prompt: ./prompt.md
input: defenses (string), attacks (string), artifact (string)
used-by: [multiagent-debate]
---
# Cross-Examination
Probes defender responses for inconsistencies and logical gaps.
## Execution
Subagent — spawned via subagent-spawning/spawn-agent.
## Why Subagent
Cross-examination requires fresh analytical perspective on the defense — isolated context prevents anchoring to either attack or defense framing.
## Input
- **defenses**: Structured defenses from debate-defender
- **attacks**: Original attacks that prompted the defenses
- **artifact**: The artifact being debated (for reference)
## Output
- **probes**: List of follow-up questions targeting defense weaknesses
- **inconsistencies**: Contradictions found within or between defenses
- **unsupported_claims**: Defense claims lacking evidence
- **verdict_suggestion**: Whether defense held up under examination
## Budget
One unit = one cross-examination pass per round.