Show:
Order of the Trial
Objections
Direct/Cross Examination
Witness Testimony
Miscellaneous
100

What is the first proper step in a trial?

The opening statement.

100
What does it mean when a judge "sustains" an objection?
It means that the objection is valid.
100
Who conducts the direct examination and who conducts the cross examination?
The party that calls the witness conducts the direct examination, and the opposing party conducts the cross examination.
100
What does it mean that a witness must have first-hand knowledge of the events that he/she is testifying about?
It means that the witness must testify about something that he/she directly witnessed.
100
What is the theory of the case?
It is the non-legal explanation for why your client wins their case.
200
Which party starts the trial, the plaintiff or defendant? Why?
Plaintiff? Because he/she is bringing the lawsuit
200

Which one of the following is always "objectionable": (1) questions with "yes" or "no" answers; (2) compound questions; (3) leading question; (4) lengthy questions?

Compound questions are always objectionable.

200
Are the attorneys conducting a direct examination permitted to ask leading questions?
No.
200
How does an attorney impeach a witness?
The attorney must show that the witness contradicted him/herself in his/her testimony.
200
What is the difference between a civil and criminal trial?
In a civil trial, the lawsuit is between two individuals that are seeking a monetary (or similar) award. In a criminal trial, the lawsuit is between a person and the state/federal government, and the trial may result in jail time.
300
What comes first, the direct examination or the cross examination?
The direct examination comes first.
300
Is the following objectionable during direct examination, and why? Attorney: You decided to build a porch because your husband is sick, correct? Witness: That's right
Yes, because it is a leading question.
300
What is a re-direct examination?
A redirect examination is a direct examining attorney's opportunity to challenge what was said during the cross examination.
300
What must the attorney do before an expert witness's testimony may be heard?
The attorney must "qualify" the witness.
300
What does L.I.M.A. star for?
L. Label I. Identify M. Move A. Ask
400
Who decides which of the plaintiff/defendant's witnesses testifies first?
The party calling the witness decides.
400
Is the following hearsay, and why? Witness: Ms. Smith showed up at our door. Attorney: What did she tell you? Witness: She said she was a master carpenter
It is not hearsay because the statement was made directly to the witness.
400
What is the 90-10 rule?
It is the rule that during direct examination the attorney only talks 10% of the time while the witness talks during the other 90%. The reverse is true during cross examination.
400
In a trial, if the other side’s witness lies on the stand, what can you do to ensure the judge or the jury does not rule based on that lie?
The attorney can impeach that witness.
400

In a civil trial, is the losing party isn't "guilty", they are ____?

In a civil trial, the losing party is "liable."

500
When does the attorney conduct a re-direct examination?
A re-direct examination is conducted right after cross examination.
500

List 4 out of the 8 ground for objections that we learned.

(1) Leading questions; (2) narration; (3) relevance; (4) personal knowledge; (5) hearsay; (6) stating an opinion; (7) compound question; and (8) badgering the witness.

500
What is an attorney's purpose during a direct examination?
The attorney's purpose is to tell his client's version of the events through the witness's testimony.
500

On direct, the attorney asks:
“You were devastated after the accident, weren’t you?”

Do you object?

Yes! Leading! (Rule 611(c)) Direct questions must be open-ended: this one suggests the answer and is improper unless used for a hostile witness or for foundational purposes.

500

Your teammate forgets to introduce a key exhibit during their direct, but you need it admitted for closing.

What’s the proper way to fix this before the end of trial?

Move to reopen evidence. Ask the judge’s permission to briefly recall the witness and lay foundation for the exhibit. If granted, you can introduce it, but you must have good cause and be quick.