Table 5: States Permitting Leading Questions in Cases with Child Witnesses/Victims
Federal Statute: Not addressed in regards to child testimony
Generally, “Leading questions should not be used on the direct examination of a witness except as
may be necessary to develop the witness’ testimony. Ordinarily leading questions should be permitted
on cross-examination.; When a party calls a hostile witness, an adverse party, or a witness identified
as an adverse party, interrogation may be by leading questions.”
State State
Alabama Yes - Statute Montana Yes – Statute*
Alaska No Nebraska Yes – Statute*
Arizona Yes- Case Law
State v. Godsoe, 498 P.2d 4 (Ariz. 1973)
Nevada Yes – Statute*
Arkansas Yes – Case Law
Clark v. State, 315 Ark. 602 (1994)
New Hampshire No
California Yes – Statute New Jersey No
Colorado Yes – Case Law
Warren v. People, 213 P.2d 381 (Colo. 1949)
New Mexico No
Connecticut Yes – Statute* New York No
Delaware Yes – Statute* North Carolina Yes – Statute*
District of
Columbia
Yes – Statute* North Dakota No
Florida Yes – Case Law
Anderson v. State, 101 So. 202 (Fla. 1924)
Ohio No
Georgia No Oklahoma No
Hawaii Yes – Statute* Oregon Yes – Statute*
