direct examination

noun

: the first examination of a witness by the party calling the witness compare cross-examination

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web After prosecutors wrapped up their direct examination of McRoy, Murdaugh removed his reading glasses and wiped his eyes with a tissue. —

Fox News, 2 Feb. 2023 After Meadors ended his direct examination, Jim Griffin stepped in front of Smith and unfurled an enormous blue tarp. —

Fox News, 6 Feb. 2023 Trial will resume Wednesday morning with his continued direct examination. —

Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 16 Aug. 2022 On direct examination, defense attorney Sabino Jauregui presented the relationship with Lamond as evidence that Tarrio was an asset and ally to police. —

Peter Hermann, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2023 After prosecutors wrapped up their direct examination of McRoy, Murdaugh removed his reading glasses and wiped his eyes with a tissue. —

Fox News, 2 Feb. 2023 After prosecutors wrapped up their direct examination of McRoy, Murdaugh removed his reading glasses and wiped his eyes with a tissue. —

Fox News, 26 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'direct examination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of direct examination was circa 1859

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near direct examination

directest

direct examination

direct exchange

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Direct examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20examination. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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Legal Definition

direct examination

noun

: the first examination of a witness by the party calling the witness compare cross-examination, redirect examination

Note: As a general rule, leading questions are not allowed on direct examination, but there are exceptions, as when the witness is shown to be hostile.

Last Updated: 25 Mar 2023 - Updated example sentences