Comments on: Cross Examination is Easy, Direct is Difficult http://simmonstrialpractice.com/cross-examination-is-easy-direct-is-difficult/ Portland Oregon Business Patent Trademark Copyright Personal Injury Litigation Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:21:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: admin http://simmonstrialpractice.com/cross-examination-is-easy-direct-is-difficult/comment-page-1/#comment-121 admin Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:36:45 +0000 http://simmonstrialpractice.com/?p=55#comment-121 In general, I believe that direct examination is more important. As you expect, the importance depends on the particular case. A successful cross examination will emphasize part of your own case, and eliminate part of the opponent's case. Nevertheless, the overall theme may be unaffected. The judge and jury will want to provide justice for the outcome. What justice requires is more often established by opening statement and direct examination. I understand that the criminal defense bar places more emphasis on cross examination. That practice area differs from what I do, that is, civil litigation. - E. J. Simmons In general, I believe that direct examination is more important. As you expect, the importance depends on the particular case.

A successful cross examination will emphasize part of your own case, and eliminate part of the opponent’s case. Nevertheless, the overall theme may be unaffected.

The judge and jury will want to provide justice for the outcome. What justice requires is more often established by opening statement and direct examination.

I understand that the criminal defense bar places more emphasis on cross examination. That practice area differs from what I do, that is, civil litigation.

- E. J. Simmons

]]> By: Kirsten Olson http://simmonstrialpractice.com/cross-examination-is-easy-direct-is-difficult/comment-page-1/#comment-117 Kirsten Olson Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:35:58 +0000 http://simmonstrialpractice.com/?p=55#comment-117 I was wondering which you feel is more important, cross examination or direct examination. Does it depend on which side of the fence you're on? I was wondering which you feel is more important, cross examination or direct examination. Does it depend on which side of the fence you’re on?

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