What is the term for a lawyer questioning their own witness in court?

When a lawyer questions their own witness in court, the correct term for this action is Examination-in-Chief. This phase of questioning occurs during a trial when the lawyer presents their case and begins by asking questions to elicit information that supports their argument. In this stage, the lawyer aims to build credibility for the witness and present evidence favorable to their position.

Examination-in-Chief allows the witness to provide their testimony, and the lawyer can frame the narrative in a way that best supports their argument. This process is essential for establishing the facts of the case in a manner that aligns with the lawyer's strategy.

In contrast, other related terms involve different actions in the courtroom. Cross-Examination is the questioning of a witness by the opposing party, typically aimed at undermining the witness's testimony. Rebuttal refers to the opportunity for one party to counter or undermine the evidence presented by another party. Direct Evidence is a type of evidence that directly supports the truth of an assertion, rather than evidence that requires inference.

Understanding these distinctions is important for grasping the dynamics of courtroom procedures and the roles different types of questioning play in legal proceedings.