Effectiveness of Witness Preparation and Cross-Examination Non-Directive and Directive Leading Question Styles on Witness Accuracy and Confidence

Abstract

There is presently little research that examines the effects of preparing witnesses to give the most accurate evidence in court. The aim of the investigation reported in this article was to explore whether witness preparation in the form of preparation statements would impact upon outcomes in respect of cross-examination questioning strategies employed in court. Specifically, the study focused upon familiarisation and leading question style effects upon witness accuracy and confidence.