Statements about Sesotho questions used in the South African courtroom

Abstract

Courtroom discourse is mainly questions and answers. The questions are asked by lawyers to elicit information from defendants and witnesses. These questions differ as the trial progresses. During direct-examination lawyers tend to rely on types of questions that allow their witnesses to tell their stories in their own way, to a great extent. During cross-examination questions are confrontational and combative. Some questions are acceptable while others may not be suitable. This article discusses the types of questions used in the different phases of a criminal trial.