What is the test for cross-examining a witness on irrelevant material?

Generally, a party may not cross-examine a witness on irrelevant matters simply for the purpose of eliciting something to be contradicted. (People v. Price (1991) 1 Cal.4th 324, 436.) But this rule does not apply where the questions relate directly to relevant matters raised on direct examination. (Ibid.) The trial court has wide discretion in deciding the line between proper and improper cross-examination, and must exercise that discretion "to prevent unfairness to either side when one side presents evidence on a point, then tries to prevent the other side from responding." (People v. Steele (2002) 27 Cal.4th 1230, 1248.)

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