Definitions 1
The testimony, question, or evidence does not make any material fact more or less probable or is irrelevant to the case
Relevance
When a witness does not provide an answer to their question
Non-Responsive
"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
"Mr. Templeton, just spit it out! Do you really expect anyone to believe you saw the entire incident from that distance?"
Objection: Badgering A Witness
Who calls most of the objections during the trial?
The attorneys
The question has already been asked and answered by the same witness
Asked and answered
The question is unclear, confusing, or susceptible to multiple interpretations
Vague/Ambiguous
In a murder case, an attorney asks the defendant what his favorite movie is?
Objection: Relevance
"I saw the defendant standing near the store around the time the alarm went off"
Objection: Vague/Ambiguous
What do you say when you are done arguing your objection?
"Submitted."
The attorney is badgering, arguing with, or harassing the witness instead of asking a question
Badgering a witness
The question suggests a specific answer
Leading
"Did you stop at the stop sign on 5th and Main?"
-no-
"So, to be clear, you ran the stop sign?"
Objection: Asked and Answered.
"Everyone in our neighborhood knows Jamie as an exceptionally honest and reliable person who always returns what they borrow."
Objection: Character Evidence
What is it called when the judge approves your objection?
Sustained
An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted
Hearsay
a witness talks non-stop, without interruption
Narrative
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
"My neighbor Mark told me that he saw the defendant take the bicycle from the yard."
Objection: Hearsay
What is it called when the judge declines your objection?
Overruled
The attorney has not built up enough background for the asked question
Lacks Foundation
When on cross the attorney asks about something that was not mentioned in the direct examination.
Beyond scope of direct.
"Why did Harry steal this money?"
Objection: Speculation
During direct questioning: "You were standing by the cash register at 8:00 PM when you saw the defendant enter, correct?"
Objection: Leading question
What do you say before arguing your objection?
"May I be heard, your honor?"