New South Wales Consolidated Acts

EVIDENCE ACT 1995 - SECT 37

37 Leading questions

(1) A leading question must not be put to a witness in examination in chief or in re-examination unless:

(a) the court gives leave, or

(b) the question relates to a matter introductory to the witness’s evidence, or

(c) no objection is made to the question and (leaving aside the party conducting the examination in chief or re-examination) each other party to the proceeding is represented by an Australian legal practitioner, legal counsel or prosecutor, or

(d) the question relates to a matter that is not in dispute, or

(e) if the witness has specialised knowledge based on the witness’s training, study or experience-the question is asked for the purpose of obtaining the witness’s opinion about a hypothetical statement of facts, being facts in respect of which evidence has been, or is intended to be, given.

(2) Unless the court otherwise directs, subsection (1) does not apply in civil proceedings to a question that relates to an investigation, inspection or report that the witness made in the course of carrying out public or official duties.

(3) Subsection (1) does not prevent a court from exercising power under rules of court to allow a written statement or report to be tendered or treated as evidence in chief of its maker.

Note: "Leading question" is defined in the Dictionary.