Direct

[from Lat. directus, straight.] Immediate; by the shortest course; without circuity; operating by an immediate connexion or relation, instead of operating through a medium; the opposite of indirect. Direct evidence is that which immediately applies to, or goes to establish the principal fact to be proved; indirect evidence is that which goes to prove the principal fact by establishing other, or subordinate facts, from which the principal fact may be inferred or presumed. See Circumstantial evidence. In the usual or regular course or order, as distinguished from that which diverts, interrupts or opposes; the opposite of cross or contrary. Direct examination of a witness is thus distinguished from cross examination; as the actio directa of the Roman law was from the actio contraria, (q.v.) In the usual or natural course or line; immediately upwards or downwards; as distinguished from that which is out of the line, or on the side of it; the opposite of collateral, (q. v.) The direct line of descent is that composed of persons arranged in the natural or genealogical order of succession, as son, grandson; father, grandfather, &c.; each person being immediately descended from the one above him in the series.

See Linea recta.