What is the leading question in a deposition?
Asked by: Hal Treutel | Last update: April 22, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (31 votes)
A leading question is a question that “suggests” the answer. As basic a text as the American Jurisprudence for Evidence defines leading questions as “those which suggest to the witness the answer desired.” 81 Am. Jur. 2d Witnesses 716.
What is an example of a leading question?
There are four types of leading questions you should be aware of, from assumptive questions to statement-based, coercive, and consequential questions. Examples of leading questions are: 'How much do you enjoy using [product]? ' 'What did you like and dislike about [x]?
What is a leading objection in a deposition?
Leading: This objection is made when the question suggests the answer that the witness should give. Improper form: This objection is made when the question is ambiguous, compound, or otherwise improperly phrased.
Who asks questions first in a deposition?
Usually the person who requested the deposition will ask questions first. The attorney who represents the person being deposed might ask follow-up questions only to clear up any misunderstandings that may have come up during the initial questioning.
What is an example of a leading question objection?
Example: On direct examination, this leading question could be objected to: “The car that you saw leave the scene of the robbery was blue, right?” Instead, it should be asked: “What color was the car that you saw leaving the scene of the robbery?”
What Are Open-Ended Questions and Leading Questions? Differences in Open-Ended vs. Leading Questions
Can you ask leading questions in deposition?
The rule of evidence is that an adverse party (or a hostile witness) can be asked leading questions. Thus, for an adverse party, an objection based on “leading” to a deposition question is unlikely to be sustained at trial to prevent that testimony from being admitted.
Why do lawyers say objection leading?
Leading question
This objection is raised when an attorney asks a question that suggests the desired answer or puts words in the witness's mouth. Leading questions are prohibited during direct examination, although exceptions are made for background information.
What not to say during a deposition?
- Guess or speculate. “I don't know” or “I can't remember” is acceptable.
- Be anxious or stressed out. It will affect what you say and how you appear.
- Be defensive or angry. Never argue with the attorney.
- Offer information not requested. ...
- Talk too much or ramble. ...
- Talk too little. ...
- Be too extreme.
How do you answer tricky deposition questions?
When answering questions in a deposition, it's essential to stick to what you know and avoid speculating or guessing. If you're not sure of the answer to a question, it's okay to say so. However, you should avoid making assumptions or offering opinions that are not based on fact.
How do you know if your deposition went well?
- Consistency and Clarity. In a successful deposition, you will provide clear, consistent answers that align with your previous statements and evidence. ...
- Remaining Calm and Professional. ...
- Listening Carefully and Answering Honestly. ...
- Limited Objections from Your Attorney.
How to defend yourself in a deposition?
- Be prepared. ...
- Think before answering. ...
- Never volunteer information. ...
- Make sure you understand the question. ...
- You must tell the truth. ...
- Don't get rattled or upset. ...
- Don't guess. ...
- If you do not remember, say so.
Can you refuse to do a deposition?
In the case of a deposition, since it must be requested through the issuance of a subpoena, choosing to not give testimony when formally requested may result in punishment for contempt of court, under the provision of Rule CR 37.
Is lack of foundation a proper deposition objection?
This includes: “Objection: lacks foundation. You may answer if you know.” Counsel may object to the form of the question (CCP § 2025.460), but “lack of foundation” is not an objection to form.
What is a good lead question?
Powerful questions typically begin with “What,” “How,” or “Why,” and focus on understanding the underlying issues and motivations. For example, instead of asking “Did you complete the task?” a more powerful question would be “What challenges did you encounter while completing the task, and how did you overcome them?”
What is the rule on leading questions?
(1) Leading questions should not be used on the direct examina- tion of a witness except as may be necessary to develop the witness' testimony. (2) Ordinarily leading questions should be permitted on cross- examination.
What should leading questions be?
Leading questions are survey questions that encourage or guide the respondent towards a desired answer. They are often framed in a particular way to elicit responses that confirm preconceived notions, and are favorable to the surveyor – even though this may ultimately sway or tamper with the survey data.
Can I answer I don't remember in a deposition?
A deposition is not a test. You don't get credit for guessing. If you don't remember the facts that would answer a particular question, just say, “I don't remember.” If you are not absolutely certain about your answer, qualify your answer with something like, “To the best of my recollection right now …”
What questions are off limits in a deposition?
- Private information. You have a right to refuse any questions about a person's health, sexuality, or religious beliefs (including your own). ...
- Privileged information. ...
- Irrelevant information.
What do you say at the beginning of a deposition?
The oath you will take at the beginning of the deposition is to tell “The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But The Truth.” Like many things in our normal lives, we tend to blur it all together into one image.
Is it OK to cry during a deposition?
If you have been severely traumatized and have become depressed as a result of that trauma, it is expected that you will act depressed and perhaps cry, if appropriate, at your deposition.
What is the best evidence rule in a deposition?
The best evidence rule only applies when a party seeks to prove the contents of the document sought to be admitted as evidence. The best evidence rule provides that the original documents must be provided as evidence, unless the original is lost, destroyed, or otherwise unobtainable.
What do you say at the end of a deposition?
4. After the opponent has asked his or her questions, state that the deposition is ended. 5. If the other attorney asks if you will stipulate to a waiver of the reading, signing etc., you should politely decline, because you don't know what s/he's talking about..
What is an example of a leading question in an objection?
2. Leading Questions. “Objection Judge – Leading!” When a prosecutor or defense attorney is questioning a witness, they are not allowed to ask a question in a way that suggests an answer or puts words in their mouth. For example, a leading question would be, “You saw the defendant hit the victim with a bat, didn't you? ...
Is leading a proper deposition objection?
Similarly, a leading objection is rarely appropriate, but it may be correct if used during deposition of a third party. If an objection takes more than four or five words to utter (none of the examples in paragraph 4 above did), then the objection is likely improper. Coaching will not be tolerated.
What is the hearsay rule?
California's "hearsay rule," defined under Evidence Code 1200, is a law that states that third-party hearsay cannot be used as evidence in a trial. This rule is based on the principle that hearsay is often unreliable and cannot be cross-examined.