When is it appropriate to ask a witness a question that begins with "Why" in a trial?

It is appropriate to ask a witness a question beginning with "Why" when you know the answer the witness will give. This type of questioning often seeks to elicit a specific rationale or motivation behind an action, decision, or event. By framing a question this way, the attorney can guide the witness to provide an explanation that reinforces a particular narrative or argument that the attorney wishes to emphasize.

Additionally, this type of question can serve to solidify the established facts of the case by prompting the witness to articulate reasons that the attorney is already familiar with. It facilitates a deeper exploration of the witness's perspective while simultaneously allowing the attorney to control the narrative in a way that aligns with their case strategy. In contrast, asking "Why" without prior knowledge of the expected answer could lead to unexpected or unhelpful responses, particularly if the witness is uncooperative or uncertain.