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Direct Examination

Definition

Questioning of a witness by the attorney who called them. Usually structured to build a logical narrative: credentials, examination process, findings, interpretation.

Related terms

Advocate Expert
An expert who argues a position in the interests of the retaining party rather than providing an objective assessment. Considered unethical in...
Cross-Examination
Questioning of a witness by the opposing party. For an expert, cross-examination probes qualifications, methodology, the basis of opinions, limitations, inconsistencies with...
Expert Witness
A person whose specialised knowledge is accepted by a court and who gives opinion evidence, not just factual evidence. Forensic auditors frequently...
Lay Witness
A witness who testifies only to personal observations and facts, without offering specialist opinions. Any person with direct knowledge can be a...
Voir Dire
A preliminary hearing at which a court tests whether a proposed witness or item of evidence meets the legal admissibility threshold. In...

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