What is direct testimony?

Direct testimony refers to the firsthand accounts provided by a witness regarding what they personally observed or experienced. This type of testimony occurs when the witness is called to the stand by the party that intends to use their evidence. During direct examination, the witness answers questions posed by the attorney who has called them. This process is aimed at establishing facts and providing a narrative that supports one side of the case.

In contrast, other options involve different aspects of legal proceedings. Statements made by attorneys during a trial generally pertain to arguments or interpretations of the law rather than firsthand accounts of witness experiences. Expert witness opinions, while valuable, fall under a different category known as expert testimony, which is reliant on the expert's specialized knowledge. Discussions held during jury deliberation involve the jurors' conversations about the case after evidence has been presented, and not the testimony directly from witnesses. Therefore, the nature of direct testimony is accurately encapsulated in the option that describes the answers given to questions posed by the attorney who calls the witness.