Direct examination

Direct examination is the questioning of a witness by the party who called them to testify, before cross-examination by the opposing party. It presents testimony supporting that party’s case.

Leading question: A question that suggests its answer or assumes a disputed fact. Direct examination generally restricts leading questions, unlike cross-examination.
Admissibility: The legal determination of whether evidence may be considered in a proceeding. Direct examination must elicit testimony that can be admitted under applicable rules.
Trial advocacy: The practice of presenting a case effectively in court through evidence and argument. Direct examination is a central courtroom skill within trial advocacy.
Voir dire: Questioning used to assess prospective jurors or, in some contexts, a witness’s qualifications. Voir dire addresses selection or qualification rather than presenting a party’s evidence through a witness.
Open-ended question: A question that permits an answer in the witness’s own words rather than limiting it to a choice. Open-ended questions help witnesses narrate events without counsel supplying the substance.
Personal knowledge: Knowledge gained through a person’s own perception rather than another source. Witnesses generally need personal knowledge to testify about the matters asked on direct.
Witness preparation: Preparing a witness to testify accurately and understand courtroom procedures without coaching false testimony. Preparation helps witnesses recall relevant events and handle the format of direct examination.
Closing argument: A lawyer’s final argument explaining how admitted evidence supports a party’s position. Direct examination introduces evidence; closing argument later interprets it for the fact-finder.
Witness: A person who gives evidence under oath or affirmation in a legal proceeding. The witness supplies the testimony elicited during this examination.
Hearsay: An out-of-court statement offered in court to prove the truth of what it asserts. Questions can draw hearsay objections when they elicit statements made outside court.

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TrialBroader topic: It introduces testimony supporting a party’s claims or defenses.