direct examination
noun
: the first examination of a witness by the party calling the witness compare cross-examination
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Pauline testified on direct examination that Kelly would give her alcohol before their encounters, and specifically mentioned Hpnotiq, a distinctive sky-blue liqueur. 
Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2022 When prosecutors questioned her on re-direct examination, Jane acknowledged that the bulk of their texts merely had to do with scheduling matters. Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2022 Under direct examination by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rajesh Srinivasan, Kuznetsova said the lack of usable prints was not unusual. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2022 Under direct examination, Spiegel cited the American Psychological Assn. Christi Carrasstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2022 Over three days of direct examination, Heard’s attorneys presented a series of photos that showed marks on her arms, as well as bruises on her face and hairline. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 May 2022 While Heard’s direct examination took up the bulk of the day in court, Depp’s lawyers were able to begin their cross later in the afternoon. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2022 Underscoring the complex nature of the matter, only hours earlier Rigmaiden overruled objections from the defense lawyers ahead of direct examination questioning Taggart about dawn patrol continuing after his time at UO. James Crepea | The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 22 Apr. 2022 Meyers concluded her direct examination of Depp on Wednesday afternoon. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 20 Apr. 2022 See More
Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2022 When prosecutors questioned her on re-direct examination, Jane acknowledged that the bulk of their texts merely had to do with scheduling matters. Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2022 Under direct examination by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rajesh Srinivasan, Kuznetsova said the lack of usable prints was not unusual. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2022 Under direct examination, Spiegel cited the American Psychological Assn. Christi Carrasstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2022 Over three days of direct examination, Heard’s attorneys presented a series of photos that showed marks on her arms, as well as bruises on her face and hairline. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 May 2022 While Heard’s direct examination took up the bulk of the day in court, Depp’s lawyers were able to begin their cross later in the afternoon. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2022 Underscoring the complex nature of the matter, only hours earlier Rigmaiden overruled objections from the defense lawyers ahead of direct examination questioning Taggart about dawn patrol continuing after his time at UO. James Crepea | The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 22 Apr. 2022 Meyers concluded her direct examination of Depp on Wednesday afternoon. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 20 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
circa 1859, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
direct examination
noun
: 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.