Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Order of Examinations (Section 138 IEA / Section 136 BSA)
Evidentiary Rules & Proof Standards
Definition
The statutory sequence of trial examination: the witness must first be examined-in-chief, then (if the adverse party so desires) cross-examined, then (if the calling party so desires) re-examined.
Example
A trial judge cannot allow defense counsel to cross-examine a prosecution witness before the prosecutor has formally concluded the examination-in-chief and tendered the witness for questioning.