leading question

n a question phrased in a manner that tends to suggest the desired answer, such as What do you think of the horrible effects of pollution?

lead′ing ques′tion

(ˈli dɪŋ)
n. a question so worded as to suggest the proper or desired answer. [1815–25]

Thesaurus

Noun

leading question - a question phrased in such a way as to suggest the desired answer; a lawyer may ask leading questions on cross-examinationcross-examination - (law) close questioning of a hostile witness in a court of law to discredit or throw a new light on the testimony already provided in direct examinationinterrogation, interrogative, interrogative sentence, question - a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply; "he asked a direct question"; "he had trouble phrasing his interrogations"

Translations

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leading question

A question articulated in such a specific way as to suggest that a particular answer or piece of information is true or has been established. A: "Don't you think the mayor's office should be doing more to prevent corruption?" B: "I resent being asked such a leading question, and I can assure you we are doing all we can." She asked me when I was going to take her out on a date, and I was taken aback at such a leading question.See also: leading, question

leading question

a question that suggests the kind of answer that the person who asks it wants to hear. The mayor was angered by the reporter's leading questions. "Don't you think that the police are failing to stop crime?" is an example of a leading question.See also: leading, question

leading question

A question worded so as to elicit particular information or a particular answer, as in When are you selling the business? This example assumes that the person is going to sell the business, an action that may not have been established or revealed. This expression originated with a specific meaning in law, that is, "a question that guides a witness toward a desired answer." In court, this practice is called leading a witness and is forbidden. [Mid-1800s] See also: leading, question

a ˌleading ˈquestion

a question that you ask in a particular way in order to get the answer you want: That’s a leading question. ♢ Lawyers are experts on leading questions. You have to be very careful when you answer them.See also: leading, question

leading question

Related to leading question: Loaded question

Leading Question

A query that suggests to the witness how it is to be answered or puts words into the mouth of the witness to be merely repeated in his or her response.

Leading questions should not be used on the direct examination of a witness unless necessary to develop the person's testimony. They are permissible, however, on cross-examination. When a party calls a hostile witness—the adverse party or a witness identified with the opposing party—leading questions can be employed during the direct examination of such a witness.

leading question

n. a question asked of a witness by an attorney during a trial or a deposition (questioning under oath outside of court), suggesting an answer or putting words in the mouth of the witness. Thus, the attorney may help his own witness to tell a pre-planned story. 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 (the chance to question after direct testimony) 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?" (See: cross-examination)

leading question

a question that either suggests the answer expected or that assumes the existence of disputed facts to which the witness is to testify. Leading questions are not allowed except as to formal matters that are not disputed (e.g. witness's name, address, etc) and in cross-examination. Even where allowed there is always the danger that the answer, thus obtained, is given less weight by the judge.

LEADING QUESTION, evidence, Practice. A question which puts into the witness' mouth the words to be echoed back, or plainly suggests the answer which the party wishes to get from him. 7 Serg. & Rawle, 171; 4 Wend. Rep. 247. In that case the examiner is said to lead him to the answer. It is not always easy to determine what is or is not a leading question.
2. These questions cannot, in general, be put to a witness in his examination in chief. 6 Binn. R. 483, 3 Binn. R. 130; 1 Phill. Ev. 221; 1 Stark. Ev. 123. But in an examination in chief, questions may be put to lead the mind of the witness to the subject of inquiry; and they are allowed when it appears the witness wishes to conceal the truth, or to favor the opposite party, or where, from the nature of the case, the mind of the witness cannot be directed to the subject of inquiry, without a particular specification of such subject. 1 Camp. R. 43; 1 Stark. C. 100.
3. In cross-examinations, the examiner has generally the right to put leading questions. 1 Stark. Ev. 132; 3 Chit. Pr. 892; Rosc. Civ. Ev. 94; 3 Bouv. Inst. n. 3203-4.

leading question

leading question

lead′ing ques′tion

leading question

leading question

leading question

leading question

a ˌleading ˈquestion

leading question

Leading Question

leading question

leading question

leading question

Words related to leading question

noun a question phrased in such a way as to suggest the desired answer

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