Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 16, April 20, 2024
Rule 611 - Mode and Order of Examining Witnesses and Presenting 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 of a witness other than a party in a civil case should be limited to the subject matter of the direct examination and matters affecting credibility, however, the court may, in the exercise of discretion, permit inquiry into additional matters as if on direct examination. A party witness in a civil case may be cross-examined by an adverse party on any matter relevant to any issue in the case, including credibility, unless the court, in the interests of justice, limits the cross-examination with respect to matters not testified to on direct examination.(c)Leading Questions. Leading questions should not be used on direct or redirect 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. A witness so examined should usually be interrogated by all other parties as to whom the witness is not hostile or adverse as if under redirect examination.The provisions of this Rule 611 rescinded and replaced January 17, 2013, effective in sixty days, 43 Pa.B. 620; amended September 18, 2014, effective immediately, 44 Pa.B. 6225.