What is the legal term for the phase in which the prosecutor elicits facts from the officer?

• A. Direct Examination
• B. Cross-Examination
• C. Redirect
• D. Recross

Answer: (A)

Direct examination is the stage where the party who called the officer questions them to elicit facts and build the witness’s narrative. Questions are typically open-ended, allowing the officer to describe events, observations, and relevant details in their own words, which helps establish credibility and a coherent story for the jury. This contrasts with cross-examination, where the opposing side questions the witness, usually with leading questions aimed at testing reliability and uncovering inconsistencies. After cross, redirect can be used to clarify or rehabilitate testimony, and recross may follow if needed. This flow is why the phase of eliciting facts from the officer is characterized as direct examination.