Which term describes the questioning of one's own witness during trial to establish testimony?

• A. Cross-examination
• B. Direct examination
• C. Relevance
• D. Materiality

Answer: (B)

Direct examination is the process of questioning your own witness during trial to establish testimony. The goal is to have the witness explain the facts in their own words, presenting observations and perceptions that support your case. Questions are typically open-ended to allow a full, uncontested narrative, and leading questions are generally not used on direct examination. Cross-examination is the opposing side’s opportunity to challenge that testimony, usually with leading questions aimed at testing credibility and accuracy. Relevance and materiality describe whether a fact matters to proving or denying a claim and whether it has enough significance to affect the outcome. So, describing the act of questioning a witness you called to the stand to build their testimony points to direct examination.