Final answer:
The phrase to complete is 'cross-examination,' which is unnecessary until the witness has been sworn in. This concept is rooted in the Sixth Amendment, emphasizing the importance of sworn testimony in a criminal trial.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of a criminal trial, the phrase 'Absent the witness being sworn, you do not need to do the cross-examination' could be completed. This relates to the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees a defendant's right to confront and cross-examine witnesses. Without the step of a witness being sworn in, their testimony does not become official record, and thus no cross-examination is necessary.
It's imperative to know that only testimony given under oath and subject to cross-examination is typically admissible in court. Hearsay evidence is usually not allowed, but there are exceptions like an admission of guilt or a 'dying declaration.' During a trial, the judge holds the authority to exclude testimony that is irrelevant or prejudicial to ensure a fair trial.