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Article VI. Witnesses

Rule 611. Mode and Order of Examining Witnesses and Presenting Evidence

Effective January 1, 2014

See Rule 611 on the heat map

(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) when a party calls a hostile witness, an adverse party, or a witness identified with an adverse party.

Opinions in this dataset that cite Rule 611

1 opinion in the dataset cite this rule, reversals first. Matched from each opinion’s coded issue, not from a reading of the opinion.

Reporter citations are as supplied and unverified; the official opinion link is the source of record.

Source: the Indiana Rules of Evidence, reproduced for browsing. Rule text as supplied, including the amendment to Rule 103(b) effective July 1, 2026 (Order, Cause No. 26S-MS-8); other rules carry their own effective dates. This is an unofficial copy; check the official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.