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 On Monday, her direct examination continued in chronological order. — Erin Griffith, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2021 Holmes’s defense team has conducted lengthy cross examinations of many of the prosecution’s witnesses, often stretching their questioning even longer than the government’s direct examination. — Washington Post, 19 Nov. 2021 The defense’s direct examination of Travis McMichael continues. — Bill Rankin, ajc, 17 Nov. 2021 The fight over Willis’ testimony began Monday afternoon when Morris paused her direct examination of Willis to talk to the judge about the investigation. — Ashley Remkus | Aremkus@al.com, al, 6 Aug. 2021 The fight over Willis’ testimony began Monday afternoon when Morris paused her direct examination of Willis to talk to the judge about the investigation. — Ashley Remkus | Aremkus@al.com, al, 6 Aug. 2021 The fight over Willis’ testimony began Monday afternoon when Morris paused her direct examination of Willis to talk to the judge about the investigation. — Ashley Remkus | Aremkus@al.com, al, 6 Aug. 2021 The fight over Willis’ testimony began Monday afternoon when Morris paused her direct examination of Willis to talk to the judge about the investigation. — Ashley Remkus | Aremkus@al.com, al, 6 Aug. 2021 The fight over Willis’ testimony began Monday afternoon when Morris paused her direct examination of Willis to talk to the judge about the investigation. — Ashley Remkus | Aremkus@al.com, al, 6 Aug. 2021

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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Last Updated

28 Nov 2021

Cite this Entry

“Direct examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20examination. Accessed 30 Nov. 2021.

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More Definitions for direct examination

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.