Which type of question encourages a witness to provide specific answers that the questioner wants?

A leading question is designed to guide a witness toward a particular answer that aligns with the questioner’s expectations or desires. This type of question typically contains an assumption or bias, prompting the witness to confirm or agree with that premise. For instance, asking "You saw the defendant at the scene of the crime, didn't you?" suggests the answer is affirmative and seeks to reinforce a specific narrative.

In contrast, closed questions typically require a simple yes or no answer without the nuance or depth that leading questions aim for. Open questions invite broader, more detailed responses and do not steer the witness toward a specific answer. Hypothetical questions pose scenarios that the respondent must consider, which also doesn't direct them to a particular answer but rather explores their reasoning or predictions in a given situation. Thus, leading questions are unique in their intention and structure, making them effective for eliciting specific information or agreement from a witness.