Procedure
What should the attorney objecting do if they object to a question?
Stand and say: "I object your honor."
During direct examination:
"You went to your mom's house later that night, didn't you?"
Objection: Leading Question.
When can you not use leading questions?
On Direct
"First thing I did was get up and go to work. It was a fairly normal day at work until the robbery, which happened around 1pm. After that the police came and began interviewing people. I was taken to the station and was there until around 10pm. After that I went home..."
Objection: Narrative Answer
Who can give their opinion at trial?
Experts
Who makes a decision as to whether an objection is sustained or overruled?
The Judge
"Did you determine the time of death by interviewing witnesses and by requesting the autopsy report written by the coroner?"
Objection: Compound Question
When can you use leading questions?
On Cross-Examination
In a murder case, the attorney ask the defendant "What is your favorite movie?"
Objection: Relevance
Who are expert witnesses?
Doctors, psychologists, forensic experts, etc.
What does the Judge say when he agrees with the objection?
Sustained
"What is your name?"
"Jim Nall"
"Where did you find the body?"
Objection Lack of Foundation
What materials can help you if you need to explain your objection to a Judge?
Evidence and Affidavit
"Do you really think the jury would believe the words of a drunk and high teenager?"
Objective Argumentative
What are opinion questions that are not objectionable?
Questions asking an opinion that anyone could give.
What is the decision of the judge if he or she disagrees with the objection?
Overruled
"Where were you the night of the 12th?"
"At home."
"So you were at home on the night of the 12th?"
Objection: Asked and Answered.
What do you do if your question is objected to, and the Judge sustains the objection?
Ask a different question.
"I think Drew was have a psychotic episode--he was blabbering on and on about nothing."
Objection: Lay-Witness Opinion
What are questions that are used to establish the expertise of a witness?
Foundation questions.
What do you do if you disagree with the Judge's ruling on your objection?
Sit down.
When on cross the attorney asks about something that was not mentioned in the direct examination.
Objection: Beyond scope of direct.
What do you do if your question is objected to and the Judge asks you to respond?
Explain why your question should be allowed.
Question: "Weren't you the last person the victim saw on the night of his death?"
Response: "I didn't kill him!"
Objection: Non-Responsive Answer
What is a question that an expert witness cannot be asked?
The attorney asks his or her expert witness "do you think the defendant committed the murder?"