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

Leading questions are typically allowed during cross-examination. This is because the purpose of cross-examination is to test the credibility of a witness and challenge their previous statements. Leading questions, which suggest the answer within the question, help attorneys to control the narrative and effectively probe inconsistencies or biases in the witness's testimony.

In contrast, direct examination, where the witness is first questioned by the attorney who called them, generally prohibits leading questions. This ensures that the witness can provide their account in their own words without being unduly influenced by the questioning attorney. Opening statements help outline the case's arguments but do not involve witness questioning, while closing arguments summarize the case, without the introduction of new testimony or evidence.