Witnesses

Calling and Examining Witness

At trial, both the Tribe and you can call and question witnesses. A witness is someone who has knowledge of something, such as an event, from personal observation or experience. The Tribe will go first, calling witnesses to give testimony that supports their case. The prosecutor will ask questions. Unless there is an objection preventing it, the witness will answer. This is called direct examination. After the prosecutor finishes asking their questions, you will have a chance to ask questions. Unless there is an objection preventing it, the witness will answer. This is called cross-examination.

After the prosecutor is done questioning their witnesses, you will call their own witnesses for direct examination. The prosecutor will then cross-examine the witnesses.

It is important that you don’t engage in witness tampering.