Rule 611 — Mode and Order of Examining Witnesses and Presenting Evidence

Fed. R. Evid. 611

• Source: Federal Rules of Evidence
• Rule: 611
• ARTICLE VI: WITNESSES
• Citation: Fed. R. Evid. 611

Text

(a) CONTROL BY THE COURT; PURPOSES. The court should exercise
reasonable control over the mode and order of examining wit-
nesses and presenting evidence so as to:
(1) make those procedures effective for determining the
truth;
(2) avoid wasting time; and
(3) protect witnesses from harassment or undue embarrass-
ment.

(b) SCOPE OF CROSS-EXAMINATION. Cross-examination should not
go beyond the subject matter of the direct examination and mat-
ters affecting the witness’s credibility. The court may allow in-
quiry into additional matters as if on direct examination.
(c) LEADING QUESTIONS. Leading questions should not be used on
direct examination except as necessary to develop the witness’s
testimony. Ordinarily, the court should allow leading questions:
(1) on cross-examination; and
(2) when a party calls a hostile witness, an adverse party, or
a witness identified with an adverse party.

Advisory Committee Notes

(As amended Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Oct. 1, 1987; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011.)