Question Mark After a Suggested Answer Following a Question
The Question Mark
Rulebase Summary
When an attorney asks a question and then tacks on a suggested answer, put a question mark where the question is first asked and another question mark after the suggested answer. The suggested answer is shorthand for a complete question (e.g., 'Before 5:00?' is short for 'Did you leave before 5:00?'). Each part functions as its own interrogative thought.
Examples
Q. What time did you leave, before 5:00.
Q. What time did you leave? Before 5:00?
Question mark after the main question and after the suggested answer.
Q. Where did you go after the accident, to the hospital.
Q. Where did you go after the accident? To the hospital?
The suggested answer implies 'Did you go to the hospital?' — question mark.
Transcript Notes
This is common when attorneys prompt witnesses with possible answers. The suggested answer is not a statement — it is an implied question seeking confirmation.
Style Guide References (1)
BGGP