What is the scope of re-direct examination after cross-examination?

• A. After cross-examination, additional questions may be asked by the direct examiner limited to the matters raised opposing counsel on cross-examination, or for rehabilitating a witness's character or credibility.
• B. After cross-examination, no further questions are allowed.
• C. After cross-exam, the judge may decide; questions may address any topic.
• D. Re-direct is not allowed.

Answer: (A)

Redirect examination is used to clarify or rehabilitate a witness after cross-examination. Its questions are limited to issues raised during cross or to address credibility and character concerns. The goal is to restore the witness’s reliability or clarify testimony, not to introduce new subjects or expand into unrelated areas.

That’s why redirect is allowed in a narrow, focused scope: the direct examiner can restore credibility or explain ambiguities that cross-examination brought up, but cannot bring in entirely new topics or facts. After cross, the direct examiner may ask questions about matters touched on by cross or about the witness’s credibility, but the content must stay within that limited scope.