Objections
What does a "asked and answered" objection mean?
This is used during a cross examination when the opposing council repeats a question that was already asked and answered by the witness.
Who builds the case in a trial?
An attorney.
What is a witness?
A witness is someone who appears in court to testify what they know about a case or topic.
How long is an opening statement in mock trial?
5 minutes.
Who decides the verdict in a trial?
The judge and jury.
An objection used when the witness testifies about something another person said or something they heard outside of the courtroom.
What should you find and build your case around in a trial?
The theme.
What is a direct examination?
A part of a trial where the attorney gets to ask questions to the witnesses they called in. This happens before the cross examination.
How long does a typical mock trial last?
2-3 hours.
What are the 2 types of trials and what's the difference?
Criminal cases and civil cases. Criminal cases are usually prosecuted by the state and deal with sentencing, whereas civil cases deal with two parties such as families or friends arguing legal duties and civic responsibilities.
What is a "invention of facts" objection?
This is used when a witness testifies something not mentioned or contrary to what is in the fact pattern.
What does it mean to "draw the string."
To acknowledge anything that could be negatively used against your client before the other side brings it up.
What is a cross examination?
A part of a trial where an attorney gets to ask the witnesses on the other side questions. This happens after direct examination.
How many witnesses are there in a typical mock trial case?
6, 3 on both sides.
What should you always say first before speaking once you're at the stand?
"May it please the court."
What is a "compound question" objection?
This is used when opposing council asks more than one question at one time.
What are examples of elements in a case?
Relevance, motive, cause and effect, moral authority, character, or anything else that will make the jury sympathize with your client.
What makes an expert witness different from others?
The expert typically has no personal connection to the case and is just there to provide facts and not a personal account.
How many attorneys are assigned on each side?
3
In mock trial do you represent plaintiff/prosecution or the defense?
Both, in high school mock trial you won't know which side you represent until shortly before the competition.
What does a "scope of witness examination" objection mean?
This means that the opposing council is asking something that's outside of the witnesses first-hand knowledge.
What are "exhibits" in a trial?
What is a leading question and when can you not ask leading questions?
Which side starts the trial?
Prosecution/plaintiff.
What is an impeachment?
When opposing council attempts to discredit a witness because of a contradicting statement, possible bias, or their reputation.