Procedure
What should the attorney objecting do if they object to a question by the opposing counsel?
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.
"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
When can you not use leading questions?
On Direct
Who makes a decision as to whether an objection is sustained or overruled?
The Judge
In a case about a stolen car, a witness states, "She must have known the person if she got into the car with him/her." An attorney objects and says
Objection: Speculation
In a murder case, the attorney ask the defendant what is his favorite movie?
Objection: Relevance
When can you use leading questions?
On Cross-Examination
What does the Judge say when he agrees with the objection?
Sustained
When a question calls for an answer that has nothing to do with the case.
Objection: Relevancy.
"Did you stop at the stop sign on 5th and Main?"
-no-
"So, to be clear, you ran the stop sign?"
Objection: Badgering the witness
What materials can help you if you need to explain your objection to a Judge?
The Rules of Evidence.
What is the decision of the judge if he or she disagrees with the objection?
Overruled
In a case about a stolen car, the prosecuting attorney asks the defendant, "So you stole the car because you wanted to see how fast it could go?" The defense attorney objects and says
Objection: Leading question
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 do you do if your question is objected to, and the Judge sustains the objection?
Ask a different question.
What do you do if you disagree with the Judge's ruling on your objection?
Sit down.
Something a witness may have heard about, but did not hear or see firsthand. Example: Goldilocks' mom testifies that Goldie couldn't have possibly heard anyone shout "look out!" when she entered the house.
Objection: Hearsay
Someone's idea about what MIGHT have happened is not allowed. Ex: "Why do you think Goldilocks was so hungry?"
Objection: Speculation
What do you do if your question is objected to and the Judge asks you to respond?
Explain why your question should be allowed.