direct examination

noun

: 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

Brennan, on direct examination, asked Bukhenik if there was a phrase about that in law enforcement circles. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025

Her testimony Tuesday stopped short of that encounter, and she’s expected to take the stand to continue her direct examination on Wednesday. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025

Later in the direct examination, the judge politely interrupted Wier Vaught several times, asking her to talk slower for the court reporter. —Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025

Madigan’s attorneys said Tuesday that the ex-speaker’s direct examination could wrap up by late Wednesday morning; it will likely be followed by questioning from co-defendant Michael McClain’s attorney. —Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for direct examination

• americanization
• anticoagulation
• antidiscrimination
• bioaccumulation
• bioremediation
• compartmentalization
• contextualization
• copolymerization
• decriminalization
• dehumidification
• demilitarization
• demineralization

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.