What is "direct examination" in a trial?

Direct examination refers to the process where a party that has called a witness to the stand questions that witness in order to elicit testimony that supports the party's case. This phase is crucial because it allows the party to present their evidence and key facts through the witness's firsthand knowledge or observations.

During direct examination, the questioning party has the opportunity to set the stage for the witness's narrative, guiding them through relevant facts and ensuring that the jury or judge receives a coherent and effective presentation of information. This type of examination is distinguished by its focus on open-ended questions that allow witnesses to elaborate on their responses, thereby providing a clear and detailed account of their experiences or expertise.

In contrast, the options related to opposing counsel's questioning, final questioning after cross-examination, or questioning outside of the courtroom do not accurately capture the essence of direct examination, which is specifically about the initial and primary questioning conducted by the party that called the witness.