Huvudförhör

Huvudförhör, often translated as direct examination, is a fundamental stage in legal proceedings, particularly within common law jurisdictions. It refers to the questioning of a witness by the party who called that witness to testify. The primary goal of huvudförhör is to present evidence and establish facts that support the examining party's case.

During huvudförhör, the examining attorney guides the witness through their testimony, aiming to elicit information that is relevant and beneficial to their side. The questions posed are generally open-ended, encouraging the witness to narrate events and provide details. This contrasts with cross-examination, where leading questions are permitted. Attorneys are typically prohibited from asking leading questions during huvudförhör, as this could suggest answers to the witness and potentially compromise the integrity of their testimony.

The scope of huvudförhör is generally limited to matters raised in the witness's pleadings or in direct examination. However, courts may allow some flexibility to address issues that arise during testimony. The effectiveness of huvudförhör relies heavily on the witness's credibility and the attorney's skill in eliciting clear and persuasive testimony. A well-executed huvudförhör can significantly strengthen a party's case by presenting a coherent and compelling narrative of events. Conversely, a poorly conducted huvudförhör can leave the jury with an incomplete or confusing understanding of the facts.