Glossary
Direct examination
The initial questioning of a witness by the side that called them. The lawyer asks open-ended questions and the witness tells their story: leading questions are generally not allowed.
On direct, the lawyer is supposed to be a transparent conduit: letting the witness do the talking. Questions like "what happened next?" rather than "isn't it true that the light was red?" The judge will sustain objections to leading questions on direct.
The exception: hostile or adverse witnesses (e.g., calling the opposing party in your case). Once the court declares a witness hostile, the lawyer can use leading questions even on direct.