Direct examination refers to which activity in a trial?

• A. The cross-examination conducted by the opposing attorney.
• B. A motion filed with the court to suppress evidence.
• C. The initial questioning of a witness by the attorney who called that witness to the stand during a trial.
• D. A closing argument by counsel.

Answer: (C)

Direct examination is the initial questioning of a witness by the attorney who called that witness to the stand. The aim is to elicit the witness’s account in their own words, laying a factual and coherent storyline, often through open-ended questions that encourage detail and foundation-building. This phase sets up the testimony before the opposing attorney has a chance to challenge it, which occurs during cross-examination where leading questions are common and credibility can be tested. The other options don’t fit because a motion to suppress evidence is about excluding improperly obtained or admissible material, a closing argument comes after all evidence has been presented, and cross-examination is conducted by the opposing attorney, not the one who called the witness.