Objections
Shouted when a witness repeats an out-of-court statement to prove the truth of what it says.
What is "Objection, hearsay"?
When police take a suspect into physical custody to question them about a suspected crime.
What is arrest?
This person, chosen from the community, listens to the evidence at trial and decides the facts of the case.
What is a juror?
This 1954 case unanimously declared state laws establishing separate public schools for Black and white students to be unconstitutional.
What is Brown v. Board?
Literally "guilty mind," this term refers to the mental state required to commit a crime.
What is mens rea?
An attorney raises this objection, using three words joined by "and," when the same question has already been asked to the witness and answered.
What is "Objection, asked and answered"?
An agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter punishment.
What is a plea deal?
This officer of the court, usually a government attorney, files criminal charges and tries to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who is the prosecutor?
This 1896 case upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation laws under the "separate but equal" doctrine.
What is Plessy v. Ferguson?
This Latin term, meaning "for the good," describes legal work done for free on behalf of those who can't afford it.
What is pro bono?
A lawyer who thinks a witness is rambling or giving a long, unprompted story might object that the answer is this, meaning it goes beyond what the question asked.
What is "Objection, nonresponsive"?
A court meeting where the defendant hears the official charges, learns about legal rights, and enters a plea.
What is an arraignment?
This courtroom officer keeps order, escorts the jury, and calls out "All rise!" when the judge enters.
Who is the bailiff?
This 1963 case held that under the 6th Amendment, states are required to provide legal counsel to indigent defendants charged with a felony.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright
The Constitution bars Congress and the states from passing this kind of law, Latin for "from a thing done afterward," which criminalizes conduct after it occurred.
What is an ex post facto law?
Asking a lay witness "Do you think the defendant was lying?" draws this objection, which is generally limited to what's rationally based on the witness's perception.
What is "Objection, calls for speculation"
A court session held before a trial to check if there is enough probable cause to move the case forward.
What is a preliminary hearing?
In a civil lawsuit, this person files the complaint and brings the case against another party.
Who is the plaintiff?
This 1966 case established that police must inform suspects of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney before a custodial interrogation.
What is Miranda v. Arizona?
This phrase, meaning "friend of the court," describes a non-party who offers a brief to assist the court's decision.
What is amicus curiae?
Federal Rule of Evidence 403 allows a judge to exclude relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by a danger of unfair prejudice, confusing the issues, or a waste of the jury's time.
What is undue delay (or needlessly presenting cumulative evidence)?
The legal process where prosecutors and defense lawyers share relevant evidence and information before the trial begins.
What is discovery?
Qualified by education or experience, this person is permitted to give opinion testimony on technical matters, such as forensics or medicine.
Who is an expert witness?
This 1969 case cemented students' First Amendment rights, famously stating they do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate."
What is Tinker v. Des Moines?
This term, Latin for "let the decision stand," is the principle that courts should follow precedent.
What is stare decisis?