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Leading Question

A Dictionary of Law · Henry Campbell Black · 1891

A Dictionary of Law

A question put or framed in such a form as to suggest the answer sought to be obtained by the person interrogating. Questions are leading which suggest to the witness the answer desired, or which embody a material fact, and may be answered by a mere negative or affirmative, or which involve an answer bearing immediately upon the merits of the cause, and indicating to the witness a representation which will best accord with the interests of the party propounding them.

8 Smedes & M. 104.

A question is leading which puts into a witness' mouth the words that are to be echoed back, or plainly suggests the answer which the party wishes to get from him.

4 Wend. 229, 247.