M.O.
1) short for “leading the witness,” in which the attorney during a trial or deposition asks questions in a form in which he/she puts words in the mouth of the witness or suggests the answer. leading is improper if the attorney is questioning a witness called by that attorney and presumably friendly to the attorney’s side of the case. thus, the opposing attorney will object that a question is “leading,” and if so the judge will sustain (uphold) the objection and prohibit the question in that form. however, leading questions are permissible in cross-examination of a witness called by the other party or if the witness is found to be hostile or adverse to the position of the attorney conducting the questioning. 2) referring to a question asked of a witness which suggests the answer.
