Burch v. Wade

“The right of either party to a suit to subject to a thorough and sifting cross-examination the witnesses called to testify against him, is distinctly declared in § 3864 of the Code [§ 38-1705]. It is a substantial right, the preservation of which is essential to a proper administration of justice, and extends to all matters within the knowledge of the witness, the disclosure of which is material to the controversy.” News Publishing Co. v. Butler, 95 Ga. 559 (22 S. E. 282). Hence, in a suit for damages for assault and battery, where the plaintiff testified that the defendant assaulted him…