Examination-in-chief in United Kingdom

Definition of Examination-In-Chief

In accordance with the work A Dictionary of Law, this is a description of Examination-In-Chief : (examination-in-chief, direct examination)

The questioning of a witness by the party who called him to give evidence. Leading questions (*leading question) may not be asked, except on matters that are introductory to the witness’s evidence or are not in dispute or (with permission of the judge) when the witness is *hostile. The purpose of examination-in-chief is to elicit facts favourable to the case of the party conducting the examination. It is followed by a *cross-examination by the opposing party.

Examination-in-chief Meaning

Examination-in-chief in Scottish Law

The questioning by the person who has asked the witness to come to court. This is the first set of questions the witness is asked. The other lawyers then cross-examine the witness.