I was doing a civil trial a few years ago (yeah, I know I’ve said I don’t do trials, but this one was unavoidable). Went pretty well, and afterwards my expert witness, a doctor, commented on how polite it all had been.
That’s more “A Few Good Men” than L&O, but yes, according to TV that’s a valid technique. Especially since the judge is now somehow required to allow the witness’s self-incriminating answer.