During a divorce case, an expert claimed that the husband’s business was worth $10 million. The husband valued it at $700,000 – $800,000. According to California law, the wife was entitled to half of the value. The expert opined at great length that the business was worth between $7 million and $10 million. Here is how the cross-examination of the witness proceeded:
Q: Professor, I’m authorized by my client to offer you this business today in open court for one million dollars cash, the same business you said was worth seven to ten million dollars. Do you accept?
A: I’m a college professor. Most of us don’t have that kind of money.
Q: That’s not a problem, Professor. I’m authorized to give you time to raise the money. Will you buy it for one million?
A: Well, I’d have to know more about it.
Q: Professor, you said this business was worth seven to ten million. You now have a firm offer to buy it for one million and you can have time to raise the money. Do you accept that offer or not?
A: Well, I am not in the business of running corporations. I don’t know if I could find a buyer…
Q: That’s all I have for this witness, Your Honor.
- NORMAN SHERESKY
from On Trial: Masters of the Courtroom
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