Leading question

A leading question is a question that suggests a particular answer and contains information the examiner is looking to have confirmed. The use of leading questions in <a href="/facts/Court/QuVoTFmh">court</a> to elicit testimony is restricted in order to reduce the ability of the examiner to direct or influence the evidence presented. Depending on the circumstances, leading questions can be objectionable or proper.
The propriety of leading questions generally depends on the relationship of the witness to the party conducting the examination. An examiner may generally ask leading questions of a <a href="/facts/Hostile_witness/klgUQU1H">hostile witness</a> or on <a href="/facts/Cross-examination/NoutFkcD">cross-examination</a> ("Will help to elicit the testimony of a witness who, due to age, incapacity, or limited intelligence, is having difficulty communicating their evidence"), but not on <a href="/facts/Direct_examination/sAwwmwjU">direct examination</a> (to "coach" the witness to provide a particular answer).
Cairns-Lee, Lawley & Tosey have reviewed the role of leading questions in research interviews and proposed a typology and a 'cleanness rating' to facilitate researchers to review and assess the influence of their interview questions.

Leading question open-in-new

Leading question