During which type of examination does an attorney question their own witnesses?

The correct answer is direct examination. In a legal context, direct examination is the initial questioning of a witness by the party that called them to testify. This phase allows the attorney to establish the facts of the case through their witness's testimony, presenting their evidence in a straightforward manner without leading the witness. The primary goal during direct examination is to develop the narrative of the case from the perspective of the witness, ensuring clarity and coherence.

This process typically involves open-ended questions that allow the witness to provide detailed responses. By doing this, the attorney can provide a complete picture of the events or circumstances relevant to the case, thereby laying a solid foundation for the testimony.

In contrast, cross-examination, which is often misunderstood, occurs after direct examination and involves questioning by the opposing attorney to challenge the credibility of the witness or the content of their testimony. Indirect examination is not a recognized term in standard legal procedures, and witness summation is not a standard term used in courtroom settings for questioning witnesses. Understanding these distinctions is vital for anyone preparing for legal proceedings or studying courtroom protocol.