Direct Examination (From Trial Techniques - A Compendium of Course Materials, P 93-138, 1980 - See NCJ-78190)

• NCJ Number: 78194
• Author(s): J O Sonsteng; S W Cooper; S S Trott; J R Allison; S M Fallis
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 47 pages
• Sale Source: National College of District Attorneys
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

These five papers which explain how the prosecutor should prepare for and conduct direct examination and provide guidelines on the selection and order of witnesses and the use of exhibits.

Abstract

The papers emphasize the fact that because a defendant is presumed to be innocent, it is the prosecutor's burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime charged has been committed and that the defendant committed the crime. The papers also suggest that the facts should be presented in such a way that the jury will easily understand what happened and where and how it happened. It is recommended that questions for witnesses be prepared in advance. Simple questions should be used and compound questions should be avoided. Witnesses should be chosen to bring out various points the prosecutor wants to make. Suggestions are given concerning the use of police officers as witnesses, the use of expert witnesses, and the use of hostile witnesses. The use of demonstrative evidence is recommended. One paper includes sample questions.