When questioning a witness, should the investigator use emotional words such as rape or murder when asking about the crime?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to keep witness questioning neutral and non-leading. Emotionally charged words like rape or murder can prime the witness to picture or emphasize those aspects, which can bias recall or lead to memory distortions. Using neutral language helps the witness describe what they actually observed in their own words, without being steered toward sensational details. Ask open-ended questions such as “What did you see or hear?” and let the witness guide the narrative. If a witness uses specific terms, record them, but avoid introducing loaded language yourself. This approach supports clearer, more reliable information and reduces the risk of shaping the account.