Mail Box Rule
A question asked of a witness by an attorney during a trial or a deposition (questioning under oath outside of court), suggesting an answer or putting words in the mouth of the witness. such a question is often objected to, usually with the simple objection: “leading.” a leading question is allowable only when directed to the opposing party to the lawsuit or to an “adverse witness” during cross-examination (the chance to question after direct testimony) on the basis that such a witness can readily deny the proposed wording. typical improper leading question: “didn’t the defendant appear to you to be going too fast in the limited visibility?” the proper question would be: “how fast do you estimate the defendant was going?” followed by “what was the visibility?” and “how far could you see?”
