South Dakota Statutes

§ 19-19-611 — Mode and order of examining witnesses and presenting evidence.

South Dakota·Title 19 EVIDENCE·Ch. 19-18 SOUTH DAKOTA RULES OF EVIDENCE
(a)Control by the court; purposes. The court should exercise reasonable control over the mode and order of examining witnesses 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 embarrassment.
(b)Scope of cross-examination. Cross-examination should not go beyond the subject matter of the direct examination and matters affecting the witness's credibility. The court may allow inquiry 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)

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Related

Nicolay v. Stukel
2017 SD 45 (South Dakota Supreme Court, 2017)
12 case citations
State v. Quinones Rodriguez
952 N.W.2d 244 (South Dakota Supreme Court, 2020)
5 case citations
Fiechtner v. American West Ins.
2025 S.D. 60 (South Dakota Supreme Court, 2025)

Legislative History

SL 1979, ch 358 (Supreme Court Rule 78-2, Rule 611); SDCL §§

Nearby Sections

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§ 19-1-1
Repealed
§ 19-1-4
Repealed
§ 19-11-1
§ 19-11-1
§ 19-12-1
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