Direct Examination Introduction

Direct Examination Introduction

by Brian Bellamy

Multiple Choice

Direct examination is

• The interrogation of witnesses before trial

• The examination of a witness during the case-in-chief

• The jury examining evidence after closing

Multiple Select

Select each answer that is a purpose of direct examination.

• determines what a jury hears

• determines what a jury understands

• determines what they remembers

• determines the defendant's sentence

Multiple Select

Obstacles to a successful direct: (select all that apply)

• the witness is only human

• witness only responds to the questions asked

• rules of evidence limit content and testimony at times

• objections can interrupt the testimony of the witness

• separation by time

Multiple Choice

One way to overcome the obstacles to a successful direct examination is to make the presentation clear and logically _____________.

• prima facia

• persuasive

• organized

• paced

Multiple Select

Two key principles: (select all that apply)

• Let the witness dominate the presentation during direct (keep questions short and simple)

• Prepare witnesses in advance to give complete and descriptive testimony

• Let the witness testify impromptu and narratively

• Lead the witness with detailed information to provide context for each question