What is a possible response to a leading-question objection on direct examination?

What is a possible response to a leading-question objection on direct examination?

• A. My question does not suggest an answer
• B. The witness will answer yes or no
• C. The question is not relevant
• D. The judge will decide

Answer: (A)

Leading questions on direct examination are generally avoided because they push the witness toward a specific answer. When an opposing attorney objects that a question is leading, a practical response is to assert that the question does not suggest an answer. By framing it this way, you’re clarifying that you’re asking for the witness’s own knowledge or observations, not trying to steer them to a particular conclusion. If the judge agrees, the objection is overruled and the witness can answer in their own words. This direct challenge to the objection keeps the examination open and non-coercive. The other options don’t address the objection itself: one states a predicted answer or relevance, one defers to the judge, and none explain why the question is non-leading.

Leading questions on direct examination are generally avoided because they push the witness toward a specific answer. When an opposing attorney objects that a question is leading, a practical response is to assert that the question does not suggest an answer. By framing it this way, you’re clarifying that you’re asking for the witness’s own knowledge or observations, not trying to steer them to a particular conclusion. If the judge agrees, the objection is overruled and the witness can answer in their own words. This direct challenge to the objection keeps the examination open and non-coercive. The other options don’t address the objection itself: one states a predicted answer or relevance, one defers to the judge, and none explain why the question is non-leading.