In the preface of the first edition of Evidence in 1958, Sir Rupert Cross stated that he hoped his work would supply "the middle place" for both students and practitioners with the theoretical discussion for students and a generous amount of cases cited for practitioners.
After the first New Zealand edition appeared in 1963 Cross on Evidence became the seminal work: the most substantial and authoritative exposition on the law of evidence in New Zealand.
The Ninth New Zealand Edition builds on the foundations set by Sir Rupert Cross and identifies the policy elements reflected in the law, suggesting posibilities for reform of the law where necessary.