direct examination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Specialized)Formal, Technical, Legal
Quick answer
What does “direct examination” mean?
In law, the questioning of a witness by the party who called that witness to testify in a trial or hearing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In law, the questioning of a witness by the party who called that witness to testify in a trial or hearing.
A formal, systematic questioning process in legal proceedings where the attorney who summoned the witness elicits testimony to support their case, typically followed by cross-examination by the opposing counsel. In broader contexts, it can refer to any straightforward, focused investigation without intermediaries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in form and core meaning in both legal systems. However, the procedural rules governing what questions are permissible during direct examination can differ between jurisdictions (e.g., leading questions are generally prohibited in both, but exceptions may vary).
Connotations
The same technical, procedural connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency within legal contexts in both the UK and US. Virtually non-existent in everyday language outside the legal profession.
Grammar
How to Use “direct examination” in a Sentence
The [prosecution/defence] conducted the direct examination of [witness name].The [attorney/lawyer] began her direct examination by asking...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “direct examination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The barrister will now examine the witness-in-chief.
- Counsel is examining the witness directly.
American English
- The attorney will now directly examine the witness.
- She is conducting the direct examination.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as a standalone adverb for this noun phrase]
American English
- [Not used as a standalone adverb for this noun phrase]
adjective
British English
- The direct-examination phase lasted two hours.
- He is an expert on direct-examination technique.
American English
- The direct examination testimony was compelling.
- Follow the rules of direct examination procedure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in law schools, legal studies, and academic papers on jurisprudence or courtroom procedure.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used when discussing legal matters, e.g., news reports about a trial.
Technical
The primary domain. A core term of art in litigation, trial practice, and legal procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “direct examination”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “direct examination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “direct examination”
- Using 'direct examination' to mean a frank or blunt conversation. *Incorrect: 'I gave him a direct examination about his plans.'
- Confusing it with 'cross-examination'.
- Omitting 'the' (e.g., 'During direct examination...' is more common than 'During a direct examination...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. Leading questions (which suggest the answer) are usually prohibited on direct examination of your own witness, with exceptions for preliminary matters, hostile witnesses, or children.
Yes, 'examination-in-chief' is the term predominantly used in the UK and other Commonwealth jurisdictions, while 'direct examination' is standard in the United States. They are synonyms.
Direct examination always comes first. The party who calls the witness conducts the direct examination. After that, the opposing party conducts the cross-examination.
Very rarely. It is a technical legal term. In an extremely broad metaphorical sense, it might describe any firsthand, rigorous questioning, but this is not standard usage.
In law, the questioning of a witness by the party who called that witness to testify in a trial or hearing.
Direct examination is usually formal, technical, legal in register.
Direct examination: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˌrɛkt ɪɡˌzæmɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˌrɛkt ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this compound legal term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a theatre DIRECTOR guiding his own actor on stage. DIRECT examination is when the lawyer who 'directed' (called) the witness to the stand questions them first.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEGAL PROCEEDING IS A STAGED PERFORMANCE (witness is an actor, attorney is a director, examination is a scripted scene).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a direct examination?