Which of the following is one of the statute elements?

• A. Direct questions
• B. Hearsay rule
• C. Subpoena
• D. Expert testimony

Answer: (A)

Statutory elements are the facts that must be proven for a statute to apply. To establish those elements in a case, you rely on testimony that clearly and directly reflects what happened. Direct questions prompt the witness to provide straightforward, fact-bearing answers about the conduct, timing, intent, or circumstances needed to satisfy the statute’s requirements. This direct mode of eliciting information helps ensure the facts are accurate and relevant to each element. The other items are not elements themselves: the hearsay rule is an evidentiary constraint about admissible statements, a subpoena is a procedural tool to compel evidence, and expert testimony is a type of evidence that may assist in proving a fact but is not itself an element that must be proven under the statute. So direct questions align with the process of proving the statute’s elements by obtaining clear, admissible facts from the witness.