The direct examination or examination-in-chief is one stage in the process of adducing evidence from witnesses in a court of law.
Direct examination is usually performed to elicit evidence in support of facts which will satisfy a required element of a party's claim or defense.
This prevents a lawyer from feeding answers to a favorable witness.
If the court does so, the lawyer may thereafter ask witness leading questions during direct examination.
The techniques of direct examination are taught in courses on trial advocacy.