Direct examination is conducted by

• A. The Opposing Counsel
• B. The Judge
• C. The Attorney Who Called the Witness
• D. The Jury

Answer: (C)

Direct examination is the questioning of a witness by the party who called that witness to testify. The attorney who brought the witness to the stand conducts this examination to elicit the testimony in the witness’s own words, establishing facts, background, and credibility. During direct, questions are usually open-ended to invite narrative responses and to avoid coaching the witness with leading questions. The opposing counsel handles cross-examination after the direct is finished, not during it, to test and challenge what the witness has said. The judge presides, rules on objections, and may ask clarifying questions, while the jury hears the testimony.