Which statement is an example of a leading question?

Which statement is an example of a leading question?

• A. The old woman had a weathered face and a long, crooked nose, didn't she?
• B. Can you describe what happened?
• C. Please tell us what you saw.
• D. What time did you arrive?

Answer: (A)

Leading questions are those that push the witness toward a specific answer by including a fact or implication for them to agree with. The statement about the old woman’s appearance starts by presenting a particular description—“a weathered face and a long, crooked nose”—and then ends with “didn’t she?” which asks the witness to confirm that description. That structure nudges the witness to say yes to a fact that has already been introduced, rather than allowing them to recount information in their own words. The other questions are neutral and open-ended; they don’t presuppose facts or seek agreement with a stated premise. For example, asking someone to describe what happened, to tell what they saw, or to state what time they arrived invites a voluntary narrative or specific details rather than a guided confirmation. In trial practice, avoiding leading questions on direct examination helps a witness provide independent testimony, while leading questions can be useful on cross-examination to control the testimony.

Leading questions are those that push the witness toward a specific answer by including a fact or implication for them to agree with. The statement about the old woman’s appearance starts by presenting a particular description—“a weathered face and a long, crooked nose”—and then ends with “didn’t she?” which asks the witness to confirm that description. That structure nudges the witness to say yes to a fact that has already been introduced, rather than allowing them to recount information in their own words.

The other questions are neutral and open-ended; they don’t presuppose facts or seek agreement with a stated premise. For example, asking someone to describe what happened, to tell what they saw, or to state what time they arrived invites a voluntary narrative or specific details rather than a guided confirmation. In trial practice, avoiding leading questions on direct examination helps a witness provide independent testimony, while leading questions can be useful on cross-examination to control the testimony.