During which stage of a trial are leading questions typically allowed?

Leading questions are allowed during the cross-examination stage of a trial. During cross-examination, an attorney has the opportunity to challenge the testimony given by a witness during direct examination. Leading questions, which suggest their own answers or support the examiner's point of view, are particularly useful in this context because they help to clarify the witness’s statements or point out inconsistencies.

In contrast, during direct examination, leading questions are generally prohibited, as the aim is to allow the witness to provide their own narrative and testimony without being guided towards a particular answer. Opening statements focus on outlining the case and presenting an overview of the evidence without delving into specific questions, and closing arguments summarize the evidence and advocate for a particular interpretation but do not involve questioning witnesses. Thus, cross-examination is the unique stage where leading questions enhance the ability to scrutinize the credibility and reliability of the witness’s testimony.