§ Rule 611. Mode and Order of Interrogation and Presentation

Codes > Tennessee Rules of Evidence > Article VI > Rule 611.

Rule 611. Mode and Order of Interrogation and Presentation

(a) Control by Court. The court shall exercise appropriate control over the presentation of evidence and conduct of the trial when necessary to avoid abuse by counsel.

(b) Scope of Cross-Examination. A witness may be cross-examined on any matter relevant to any issue in the case, including credibility, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this rule.

(c) Leading Questions. Leading questions should not be used on the direct examination of a witness except as may be necessary to develop testimony. Leading questions should be permitted on cross-examination. When a party calls a witness determined by the court to be a hostile witness, interrogation may be by leading questions.

(d) Calling Adverse Party. When a party in a civil action calls an adverse party (or an officer, director, or managing agent of a public or private corporation or of a partnership, association, or individual proprietorship which is an adverse party), interrogation on direct examination may be by leading questions. The scope of cross-examination under this paragraph shall be limited to the subject matter of direct examination, and cross-examination may be by leading questions.