Editing Hostile witness (section)

==Process==
During direct examination, if the examining attorney who called the witness finds that their testimony is antagonistic or contrary to the legal position of their client, the attorney may request that the judge declare the witness "hostile". If the request is granted, the attorney may proceed to ask the witness [[leading questions]]. Leading questions either suggest the answer ("You saw my client sign the contract, correct?") or challenge ([[Witness impeachment|impeach]]) the witness's testimony. As a rule, leading questions are generally allowed only during [[cross-examination]], but a hostile witness is an exception to this rule.

In cross-examination conducted by the opposing party's attorney, a witness is presumed to be hostile and the examining attorney is not required to seek the judge's permission before asking leading questions. Attorneys can influence a hostile witness's responses by using [[Gestalt psychology]] to influence the way the witness perceives the situation, and [[utility theory]] to understand their likely responses.<ref>{{cite book |last = Dreier |first = A.S. |title = Strategy, Planning & Litigating to Win |publisher = Conatus |location = Boston |year = 2012 |page = 78–85 |isbn = 0615676952 }}</ref> The attorney will integrate a hostile witness's expected responses  into the larger case strategy through pretrial planning and through adapting as necessary during the course of the trial.<ref>{{harvp|Dreier|2012|pp= 46–73}}.</ref>