Who conducts the direct examination in court?

The correct answer is the proponent, which refers to the party who is introducing evidence to support their case in court. The direct examination involves questioning a witness to elicit testimony that is favorable to the case being presented.

In this context, the proponent is typically the attorney representing the party that called the witness. This attorney asks questions to guide the witness through their relevant experiences and knowledge while allowing the jury or judge to understand how those details support the case. This process is critical in establishing the facts and credibility needed to persuade the court.

The other roles mentioned, such as the defense attorney, judge, and witness, have specific functions in a courtroom setting but do not conduct the direct examination themselves. The defense attorney engages typically in cross-examination after the direct examination has occurred, the judge oversees the proceedings and ensures legal procedures are followed, and the witness responds to the questions posed during the direct examination rather than conducting it.