Questioning Like a Lawyer: Direct vs. Cross Examination

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of asking questions in court?

• To entertain the jury

• To find the truth and build a case

• To confuse the witness

• To delay the trial

Open Ended

Which do you think is harder: telling your own side's story or poking holes in the other side's?

Multiple Choice

What is the primary goal of the prosecution in a trial?

• To prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt

• To show alternative explanations

• To challenge reliability and certainty

• To defend the accused

Open Ended

Compare the types of questions used in direct examination and cross examination. How do their purposes differ?

Multiple Select

Which of the following are characteristics of a direct examination?

• Open-ended questions

• Leading questions

• Friendly witness

• Challenge credibility

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the defense's use of cross examination?

• Raise doubt about prosecution witnesses

• Build their own case with friendly witnesses

• Clarify facts

• Expose doubt in their own witnesses

Open Ended

How does the prosecution use direct and cross examination differently from the defense?

Open Ended

What's a direct question Prosecution would ask Helen about Julia hearing a low whistle at 3 a.m.?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a main purpose of asking questions in court?

• To find the truth

• To build your case

• To create reasonable doubt

• To entertain the jury

Open Ended

Summarize one key thing you learned today about the purpose of questioning in court. How might this skill be useful outside of a courtroom?

Open Ended

Which type of questioning (direct or cross) do you think is harder, and why?