Difference between revisions of "Leading question"
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A '''leading question'''is a [[question]] asked of a witness by an attorney during a trial or a deposition, suggesting an answer or putting words in the mouth of the witness. Such a [[question]] is often objected to, usually with the simple objection: "leading." A '''leading question''' is allowable only when directed to the opposing party to the [[lawsuit]] or to an "adverse witness" during [[cross-examination]] on the basis that such a witness can readily deny the proposed wording. Typical improper '''leading question''': "Didn't the defendant appear to you to be going too fast in the limited visibility?" The proper [[question]] would be: "How fast do you estimate the defendant was going?" followed by "What was the visibility?" and "How far could you see?"[http://dictionary.law.com/default2.asp?selected=1120&bold=] [[Category:Legal Terms]] | A '''leading question'''is a [[question]] asked of a witness by an attorney during a trial or a deposition, suggesting an answer or putting words in the mouth of the witness. Such a [[question]] is often objected to, usually with the simple objection: "leading." A '''leading question''' is allowable only when directed to the opposing party to the [[lawsuit]] or to an "adverse witness" during [[cross-examination]] on the basis that such a witness can readily deny the proposed wording. Typical improper '''leading question''': "Didn't the defendant appear to you to be going too fast in the limited visibility?" The proper [[question]] would be: "How fast do you estimate the defendant was going?" followed by "What was the visibility?" and "How far could you see?"[http://dictionary.law.com/default2.asp?selected=1120&bold=] [[Category:Legal Terms]] | ||
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| + | *[http://dictionary.law.com/ Law Dictionary] | ||
Revision as of 18:48, May 28, 2008
A leading questionis a question asked of a witness by an attorney during a trial or a deposition, suggesting an answer or putting words in the mouth of the witness. Such a question is often objected to, usually with the simple objection: "leading." A leading question is allowable only when directed to the opposing party to the lawsuit or to an "adverse witness" during cross-examination on the basis that such a witness can readily deny the proposed wording. Typical improper leading question: "Didn't the defendant appear to you to be going too fast in the limited visibility?" The proper question would be: "How fast do you estimate the defendant was going?" followed by "What was the visibility?" and "How far could you see?"[1]