14. Speaking with Witness on the Stand
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
ii) Approaching Witnesses. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, counsel may
approach a witness to show an exhibit without prior approval of the Court but may not do
so for any other reason.
c) Persons to be Referred to by Surname
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, counsel shall refer by surname to all parties,
witnesses or other persons whose names may be mentioned during the course of trial
(except persons under the age of 18).
10. One Attorney Per Witness
Only one (1) attorney for each party may conduct the examination of any witness. Only
that attorney may object to questions asked by opposing counsel during the examination of
that witness.
11. Examination of Witnesses
a) Order of Questioning and Argument
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, co-parties represented by different counsel will
examine witnesses and present argument in the order in which they are named in the
complaint, and third-party defendants will examine witnesses after defendants have done so.
b) Limitation on Redundant Cross-Examination
In cases involving parties who share common interests, the judge may order that counsel
for those parties designate one (1) of themselves as “lead counsel” for each witness. The
counsel so designated shall be the only counsel authorized to conduct cross-examination
concerning matters which relate to the common interests shared by the parties.
12. [Reserved for Future Use]
13. Witnesses Excused at Conclusion of Testimony
Unless counsel otherwise so indicate, a witness shall be excused at the conclusion of the
witness’s testimony.
14. Speaking with Witness on the Stand
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, during all breaks and recesses counsel may speak
with a witness while conducting a direct examination of the witness but (with the exceptions
noted below) may not discuss testimony with the witness, including a party, while the witness
is on cross, re-direct, or re-cross examination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless
otherwise ordered by the Court, counsel representing a defendant in a criminal case may
