While laws vary from state to state, there are some definite taboo areas with regard to interview questions that employers should be avoiding. Following are some of the basic subject areas and questions that if asked during the course of the interview, might be viewed as illegal questions being asked with the intention to discriminate:

• Questions related to location of birthplace, nationality,  ancestry, or descent of applicant, applicant's spouse, or  parents.
• (Example: Pasquale--Is that a Spanish name?)
• Questions related to your sex or marital status.(Example: Is that your maiden name?)
• Questions related to race or color.
  (Example: Are you considered to be part of a minority  group?)
• Questions related to religion or religious days observed.
  (Example: Does your religion prevent you from working  weekends or holidays?)
• Questions related to physical disabilities or handicaps.
  (Example: Do you have any use of your legs a all?)
• Questions related to health or medical history.
  (Example: Do you have any pre-existing health  conditions?)
• Questions related to pregnancy, birth control, and child  care.
  (Example: Are you planning on having children?)

It should be noted that just because an illegal question has been asked does not necessarily mean a crime has been committed. Just because the question has asked does not establish intent. It is up to a court of law to determine whether the question or any resulting information was used in a discriminatory manner.