This presentation examines how to use each form of questioning effectively, including discussion on the differing purposes of each type of questioning and when to use them. This on-demand program was originally presented as an in-person program on May 12, 2023 as part of our Practice Foundations: Questioning program as part of our Practice Foundations series.

Hone your skills in questioning! In the early years of practice, many lawyers have the opportunity to develop their questioning skills—whether questioning on affidavits or as part of the discovery process. This program will provide a practical guide for lawyers who wish to expand their knowledge and fine-tune their skills in this area.

The Alberta Civil Practice Manual contains comprehensive information vital to your civil litigation practice. Packed with background information and commentary, this manual contains valuable information to get you through a litigation file from start to finish, including topics on commencing an action, questioning, managing litigation, trial, and judgments and orders.

Questioning for discovery, questioning on affidavit, and questioning a witness before a hearing are each important tools available to you as counsel to advance your client’s case and to both learn and weaken your opponent’s case. Each form of questioning also assists in potentially building a record sufficient for adjudication by the court on an application or encouraging settlement by the early exploration of key issues. However, in order to use each form of questioning effectively, counsel must understand the differing purposes of each type of questioning as well as when and how to use them. This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Practice Foundations: Questioning program in Edmonton on May 12, 2023.