During direct examination, how should the counsel position themselves relative to the witness?

During direct examination, how should the counsel position themselves relative to the witness?

• A. Stand back to keep the jury focused on the witness
• B. Stand close and in front of the witness
• C. Stand behind the witness
• D. Stand at the jury box

Answer: (A)

In direct examination the goal is to keep the witness as the focal point, with the jury able to see the witness’s face and hear the testimony clearly. Standing back to the side achieves this by minimizing any visual obstruction or sense of intimidation, so the jury’s attention stays on the witness and the testimony. This placement also allows the attorney to hear the witness well and respond smoothly without crowding or blocking the witness’s facial expressions or gestures. Standing close and in front would block the jury’s view of the witness and could feel confrontational. Standing behind the witness hides the witness from the jury, and standing at the jury box distances the attorney from the witness too far for effective communication.

In direct examination the goal is to keep the witness as the focal point, with the jury able to see the witness’s face and hear the testimony clearly. Standing back to the side achieves this by minimizing any visual obstruction or sense of intimidation, so the jury’s attention stays on the witness and the testimony. This placement also allows the attorney to hear the witness well and respond smoothly without crowding or blocking the witness’s facial expressions or gestures.

Standing close and in front would block the jury’s view of the witness and could feel confrontational. Standing behind the witness hides the witness from the jury, and standing at the jury box distances the attorney from the witness too far for effective communication.