What is the standard order of examinations?

• A. Direct, Cross, Redirect, Recross
• B. Direct, Redirect, Cross, Recross
• C. Direct, Recross, Cross, Redirect
• D. Direct, Cross, Recross, Redirect

Answer: (A)

The sequence of witness examinations follows a courtroom-tested flow: direct examination first, then cross-examination, followed by redirect, and finally recross. Direct examination is the chance for the witness to tell their story in their own words using non-leading questions. After that, cross-examination allows the opposing side to challenge the testimony, test reliability, and reveal inconsistencies. Redirect gives the original attorney an opportunity to clarify or rehabilitate any points raised during cross. Finally, recross allows the opposing attorney to address new issues or further questions that arose from the redirect. This order supports fairness, keeps the testimony clear, and prevents rehabilitating or challenging statements from happening out of sequence. Sequences that place redirect before cross or recross before redirect don’t fit this established workflow and would disrupt the process.