direct examination

noun

Definition of direct examination

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

Examples of direct examination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Almena said under direct examination by his attorney, Tony Serra. — Megan Cassidy, SFChronicle.com, "Ghost Ship defendant: 50 government officials went inside warehouse before fire," 9 July 2019 While the 49-year-old artist tearfully accepted responsibility for the tragedy during his direct examination on Monday, Almena has struck a combative tone with the prosecutor since cross-examination began on Wednesday morning. — Megan Cassidy, SFChronicle.com, "Ghost Ship trial: Prosecutors use defendant’s words against him," 11 July 2019 Tencza testified during direct examination by Assistant State’s Attorney Maria McCarthy. — George Houde, chicagotribune.com, "Man on trial for 2000 drowning death of wife in South Barrington repeatedly denied killing her, state police special agent testifies," 31 July 2019 Almena told jurors under direct examination that there was rarely debauchery at the warehouse. — Megan Cassidy, SFChronicle.com, "Ghost Ship trial: Almena spars with prosecutors on witness stand," 10 July 2019 And anecdotes, short biographies and diary entries are no substitute for a direct examination. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "New Study Suggests Leonardo da Vinci Had A.D.H.D.," 5 June 2019 DeGuerin continues direct examination before handing Pike over to prosecutors and Portillo’s lawyers for cross-examination this afternoon. — Guillermo Contreras, San Antonio Express-News, "“El Presidente” of Bandidos testifies at his trial," 30 Apr. 2018 At one point during the direct examination of McDaniel, the state objected to a line of questioning involving the Bundy letter, and the back-and-forth that followed seemed to expose Robinson’s lack of familiarity with basic courtroom procedures. — Leon Neyfakh, Slate Magazine, "James Bailey Is a Liar. Is He a Murderer?," 7 Feb. 2017

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.

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3 Oct 2019

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The first known use of direct examination was circa 1859

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direct examination

noun

Legal Definition of direct examination

: 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.