definitions
Objection made when counsel asks a question that joins two or more questions, usually with the word "and" or "or".
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
“Ms. Smith probably committed the crime, since she has always hated the victim.”
objection: speculation
out of court statement to prove the truth of the matter-ask to strike
Hearsay
"Did you determine the time of death by interviewing witnesses and by requesting the autopsy report written by the coroner?"
Objection: Compound Question
In a murder case, what objection is said if the attorney ask the defendant what is his favorite movie?
Objection: Relevance
When can you use leading questions?
On Cross-Examination
“Tell us what you know about the case."
objection: calls for a narrative
going after the witness' actions or abilities, only the witness' reputation/character for truthfulness is at issue here
Improper Character evidence
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?"
What materials can help you if you need to explain your objection to a Judge?
The Rules of Evidence.
Now Ms. Smith, you say that you heard your neighbor say that he was going to kill his wife?
objection hearsay
getting the witness to say what you want instead of telling their story.
leading
When you ask the witness the same question more than once.
Objection: Asked and Answered.
objection: improper character evidence or bad character evidence
Who are you directing your objections to
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
hearsay exceptions and explain why they would be used
1. Statement by the party to the case that is harmful to party (not hearsay)
2. To show the declarant's "State of Mind"
3. Declarant making "Excited Utterance"
4. statement made by witness at trial
When on cross the attorney asks about something that was not mentioned in the direct examination.
Objection: Beyond scope of direct.
"I think Drew was have a psychotic episode--he was blabbering on and on about nothing."
(said by drews neighbor a baker)
Objection: Lay-Witness Opinion
Possible Response to "Speculation" objection
The witness has Witness has actual personal knowledge of the facts to which he/she testified or asked to testify
"johnny told me that his mother was always taking things from the store"
objection hearsay