Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

Which of the following objections is considered a leading question?

1. A. Calling for Conclusion of Witness

2. B. Irrelevancy

3. C. Not within proper scope of question

4. D. Leading Question

The correct answer is: D. Leading Question

A leading question is one that suggests its own answer or contains information that prompts a specific response. This type of question can guide the witness toward a particular answer and is often seen as problematic in legal settings, particularly during witness examination, as it can influence the testimony being provided. In the context of the options provided, the designation of "leading question" correctly identifies the nature of this objection. Leading questions are typically phrased in such a way that they can lead a witness to answer in a way that aligns with the questioner's narrative or intended outcome, rather than allowing the witness to provide a candid and independent response. This characteristic is what distinctly categorizes a question as being leading, as opposed to the other objections listed, such as those pertaining to conclusions, relevance, or scope, which point to different issues in witness examinations.