EXAMINATION IN CHIEF Meaning and
Definition
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Examination in chief refers to the questioning of a witness by the party who called them to testify during a trial or hearing. It is the initial stage of questioning and is typically conducted by the lawyer representing the party that called the witness. The purpose of the examination in chief is to elicit relevant information and evidence from the witness to support the presenting party's case.
During the examination in chief, the lawyer asks open-ended questions and allows the witness to provide detailed answers. The questions are designed to elicit the witness's personal knowledge and experience related to the case. The lawyer may ask the witness to provide background information, establish their expertise or qualifications, corroborate facts, offer opinions, or provide any other relevant details that support the legal arguments of the party that called them.
The examination in chief is intended to present the strongest case possible for the presenting party by presenting evidence through the testimony of witnesses. It allows the presenting party to shape the narrative of the case and present the evidence in a clear and organized manner. The questions asked during the examination in chief should be based on the guiding principles of relevance, admissibility of evidence, and credibility of the witness.
After the examination in chief, the opposing party's lawyer will have an opportunity to cross-examine the witness to challenge their testimony or present conflicting evidence in an attempt to weaken the presenting party's case.
