Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Law) The initial questioning of a witness by the party that called the witness: In a legal proceeding, this is the first examination of a witness by the attorney for the party (prosecution or defense) who called that witness to testify. Its purpose is to elicit testimony that supports that party's case.

Usage

• As a Subject: "The direct examination established the timeline of events."
• As an Object: "The attorney began her direct examination of the key witness."
• With Prepositions: "During the direct examination, the witness described what he saw."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The prosecutor's direct examination was thorough and methodical.
  • On direct examination, the expert witness explained the technical details clearly.
  • The defense attorney objected to a question during the plaintiff's direct examination.

Advanced Usage

• "To conduct a direct examination": To perform the questioning of one's own witness.
  • The lawyer will conduct a direct examination of her client tomorrow.
• "To be on direct examination": Describes the phase where a witness is being questioned by the party that called them.
  • The witness is still on direct examination; cross-examination will follow.

Variants and Related Words

• Examination-in-chief (n): A synonym for "direct examination," commonly used in some Commonwealth legal systems.
  • The barrister completed his examination-in-chief.
• Cross-examination (n): The questioning of a witness by the opposing party, which follows the direct examination.
  • The cross-examination attempted to undermine the witness's credibility.
• Redirect examination (n): A subsequent questioning of a witness by the party that called them, usually after cross-examination, to clarify or rebut points raised.
  • The judge allowed a brief redirect examination.

Synonyms

• Examination-in-chief: (Formal synonym, especially in British/Commonwealth law)
• Initial questioning: (General term describing the action)

Related Phrases

• To take a witness through direct examination: To guide a witness through their initial testimony.
  • She took the witness through a careful direct examination.
• The scope of direct examination: Refers to the permissible topics and questions during this phase.
  • The objection was sustained because the question was beyond the scope of direct examination.

Noun

1. (law) the initial questioning of a witness by the party that called the witness