Definition of direct examination
: the first examination of a witness by the party calling the witness — compare cross-examination
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Recent Examples of direct examination from the Web
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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.
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First Known Use of direct examination
circa 1859
Law Dictionary
direct examination
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.
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