Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam 2025 - Free Private Investigator Practice Questions and Study Guide

Direct examination occurs specifically when an attorney questions their own witness. This phase of the trial is essential because it allows the attorney to elicit information and evidence that supports their case directly from their witness. The goal during direct examination is to present your witness's story and facts in a clear and coherent manner, providing the court with the necessary context and testimony to build a strong argument.

During this phase, the attorney will typically ask open-ended questions to give the witness the opportunity to elaborate on their answers, providing the jury or judge with a comprehensive understanding of the witness's perspective and the relevance to the case. This differs from cross-examination, which is when the opposing counsel questions a witness to challenge their testimony and credibility, and is not an opportunity for the attorney who called the witness to conduct further questioning. Other options such as when the defendant testifies or during closing arguments are unrelated to the process of direct examination.