Mock Trial Roles and Actions
What are the two sides of a mock trial called?
Plaintiff and Defendant
How many minutes are allowed when conducting direct examination?
7 minutes
Who are the plaintiff's witnesses in the case of Jain v. Nguyen?
Rakesh Jain, Lila Santos, Detective Blaze Waters
Who was the first person on the bus?
Zara
Who has the burden of proof in a lawsuit?
The burden of proof falls on the party that is responsible for proving their case. In this case, the plaintiffs have the burden of proof.
What are the different roles in a mock trial?
Attorney, witness, bailiff, alternate
If a witness is inventing facts during direct examination that are not in their affidavit, what can opposing counsel do?
Make an invention objection and/or use the witness's affidavit to impeach them during cross-examination
Who are the defendant's witnesses?
Van Nguyen, William Redwing, and Dr. Maria Shean
What member of our team could be voted "Most Likely to Object"?
Sal
What is the burden of proof in a civil lawsuit?
The plaintiff must prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence.
When do the parties summarize the evidence which will be presented to prove the case?
Opening Statement
During cross examination, an attorney is limited to asking questions about the topics that were raised during direct examination. What is this limitation (and objection) called?
Outside the Scope of Direct
Who should have been a witness in the case of Jain v. Nguyen??
The older couple
What member could be voted "Most Likely to Object if the Most Likely to Object Failed to Object"?
Anna
What is a leading question? Is it objectionable?
A "leading" question is one that suggests the answer desired by the questioner, usually by stating some facts not already discussed and then asking the witness to give a yes or no answer. Yes, it is objectionable when it is used on direct examination.
The following statement describes what action: Attorneys seek to clarify or cast doubt upon the testimony of opposing witnesses. Inconsistency in stories, bias, and other damaging facts may be pointed out to the judge
Cross-examination
What are the two limitations on questions asked during re-direct at a Mock Trial?
Must be within the scope of cross-examination and only 3 questions are allowed on re-direct
What are the four elements needed to prove a civil assault in New York State?
1. Unwarranted threat of violence
2. Intent that the victim knows the threat
3. The threat causes a reasonable fear of danger
4. The defendant has the capacity to bring about the threatened violence
Which member attended the most Mock Trial club meetings and how many meetings did he/she attend?
Mia - 38
What objection could be used when an attorney asks the following question on cross-examination:
"Isn't it possible that the rock could simply have fallen from the trail above the picnic area?"
Speculation (or opinion)
This process allows the a party's witnesses to state the facts supporting their side of the case.
Direct-examination
What are the 5 steps for correctly entering a document into evidence?
Your Honor, I would like the document marked for identification.
May I approach the witness?
Do you recognize this? What is it?
Is this a fair and accurate representation of . . .?
Your Honor, I would like this entered into evidence.
Name either the doctor or the administrative nurse named on the Western Plains Hospital Emergency Room Medical Report.
Dr. Roger Little, MD
Admin. Nurse Jonathan Meager
Who was by far Mrs. Goldberg's favorite during the Mock Trial season?
The Emotional Support Chicken
What is a narration? Can it be objected to?
Narration occurs when the witness provides more information than the question calls for. Witness answers must respond to the questions asked. An answer that turns into a narration is objectionable.