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.
- Conducted by
- The attorney who called the witness
- Typical structure
- Credentials, methods, findings, interpretation
- Contrast
- Followed by cross-examination
- Field
- Expert witness testimony
Common questions
How should an expert prepare differently for direct examination than for cross-examination?+
Direct examination is largely scripted in advance with the calling attorney, so the expert rehearses a clear, logical narrative of methods and findings; cross-examination is unscripted and tests that narrative under challenge, so preparation there focuses on defending limitations and assumptions rather than presenting them.
Can leading questions be used during direct examination?+
Generally no, except for preliminary or uncontested matters; the attorney must ask open questions and let the expert supply the substantive testimony, which is why direct examination often takes longer to establish the same ground that cross-examination can cover quickly with leading questions.
Related terms
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- 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...