Direct Examination Introduction

The interrogation of witnesses before trial

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

The jury examining evidence after closing

determines what a jury hears

determines what a jury understands

determines what they remembers

determines the defendant's sentence

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

prima facia

persuasive

organized

paced

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