Leading question

[1] The use of leading questions in court to elicit testimony is restricted in order to reduce the ability of the examiner to direct or influence the evidence presented.Even neutral questions can lead witnesses to answers based on word choice, response framing, assumptions made, and form.Leading questions may also be permitted on direct examination when a witness requires special handling, for example a child.Courts may also cite the various editions of McCormick's and Wigmore's treatises on evidence to answer whether a closed-ended question is inherently leading.Generally speaking, leading questions will be more liberally permitted on re-direct in order to establish a foundation and call the attention of the witness to specific testimony elicited on cross examination.
EvidenceTestimonyDocumentaryReal (physical)DigitalExculpatoryInculpatoryDemonstrativeEyewitness identificationGenetic (DNA)Consciousness of guiltDirectCircumstantialRelevanceBurden of proofLaying a foundationMaterialityPublic policy exclusionsSpoliationCharacterSimilar factAuthenticationChain of custodyJudicial noticeBest evidence ruleSelf-authenticating documentAncient documentHague Evidence ConventionWitnessesCompetencePrivilegeDirect examinationCross-examinationRedirectImpeachmentProffer agreementRecorded recollectionExpert witnessDead Man's StatuteHearsayin English lawin United States lawConfessionsBusiness recordsExcited utteranceDying declarationParty admissionDeclaration against interestPresent sense impressionRes gestaeLearned treatiseImplied assertioncommon lawContractPropertytrusts and estatesCriminal lawhostile witnessyes–no questionsloaded questionsimplicit assumptionsFederal Rules of Evidencere-directwitness is hostileFallacy of many questionsLoaded questionPush pollingSuggestive question