Under Rule 611(a), which of the following is NOT included in the court's control?

• A. The mode of examining witnesses.
• B. The order of cross-examination.
• C. The presentation of evidence.
• D. The substantive content of the witness's testimony.

Answer: (D)

Under Rule 611(a), the court is empowered to regulate how witnesses are examined and how evidence is presented. This covers the mode of questioning, the order of examination (including how cross-examinations are structured), and the way exhibits and other evidence are introduced to the court and jury. The judge can control these procedural aspects to keep the proceedings efficient and fair. By contrast, the substantive content of what a witness testifies to—the actual facts and details of the witness’s testimony—remains outside the court’s control in the sense of editing or dictating what the witness must say, beyond relevant and admissible scope. So the option describing the substantive content of the witness’s testimony is not within the court’s control.