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Direct examination

Defined in 3 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Black's (1891)

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

Examination in chief of a witness.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

In practice. The first interrogation or examination of a witness, on the merits, by the party on whose behalf he is called. This is to be distinguished from an examination in pais, or on the voir dire, which is merely preliminary, and ls had when the competency of the witness is challenged; from the cross-examination, which is conducted by the adverse party; and from the redirect examination which follows the cross-examination, and is had by the party who first examined the witness.

Defined under Examination in Black's Law Dictionary.

A Dictionary of Law

Henry Campbell Black · 1891

In practice. The first interrogation or examination of a witness, on the merits, by the party on whose behalf he is called. This is to be distinguished from an examination in pais, or on the voir dire, which is merely preliminary, and is had when the competency of the witness is challenged; from the cross-examination, which is conducted by the adverse party; and from the redirect examination, which follows the cross-examination, and is had by the party who first examined the witness.