What logical fallacy is being used when a question suggests that a person is guilty based on the nature of the question itself?

What logical fallacy is being used when a question suggests that a person is guilty based on the nature of the question itself?

• A. Leading Question
• B. Diversion
• C. Ad Hominem
• D. Inconsequent Argument

Answer: (A)

A leading question is designed in a way that prompts or suggests a particular answer. It often contains assumptions that can imply guilt or a certain viewpoint without providing evidence. For example, asking, "Why did you steal the money?" presupposes that the person did steal, thereby guiding them toward a specific response rather than allowing them to answer freely. This type of question can manipulate the respondent's perception of their own actions and is a classic example of a leading question, illustrating the tactic of suggesting guilt through the framing of the query itself. In contexts such as legal questioning or in persuasive communication, this technique can be quite powerful and misleading.

A leading question is designed in a way that prompts or suggests a particular answer. It often contains assumptions that can imply guilt or a certain viewpoint without providing evidence. For example, asking, "Why did you steal the money?" presupposes that the person did steal, thereby guiding them toward a specific response rather than allowing them to answer freely. This type of question can manipulate the respondent's perception of their own actions and is a classic example of a leading question, illustrating the tactic of suggesting guilt through the framing of the query itself. In contexts such as legal questioning or in persuasive communication, this technique can be quite powerful and misleading.