Which portion of the trial involves questioning a witness by the party who called them?

Which portion of the trial involves questioning a witness by the party who called them?

• A. Cross-examination
• B. Direct examination
• C. Opening statement
• D. Closing argument

Answer: (B)

Direct examination is the part of a trial where the party who called the witness asks questions to elicit the witness’s testimony and establish the facts for their case. The aim is for the witness to tell their story in their own words, laying the groundwork for what the presenting side believes to be true. Leading questions are generally avoided on direct, guiding the witness to provide narrative, descriptive responses. By contrast, cross-examination is conducted by the opposing party to challenge the witness’s testimony, credibility, and details with leading questions. Opening statements occur before any testimony and outline what each side plans to prove, while closing arguments come after all evidence is presented to summarize and persuade. Thus, the portion described is direct examination.

Direct examination is the part of a trial where the party who called the witness asks questions to elicit the witness’s testimony and establish the facts for their case. The aim is for the witness to tell their story in their own words, laying the groundwork for what the presenting side believes to be true. Leading questions are generally avoided on direct, guiding the witness to provide narrative, descriptive responses. By contrast, cross-examination is conducted by the opposing party to challenge the witness’s testimony, credibility, and details with leading questions. Opening statements occur before any testimony and outline what each side plans to prove, while closing arguments come after all evidence is presented to summarize and persuade. Thus, the portion described is direct examination.