The attorney asks, “What did your friend tell you happened that night?”
Hearsay
“Leading.”
“Your honor, this is foundational and allowed on cross.
“She told you he was guilty, right?” (Objection: Hearsay)
“Did you personally hear the defendant say anything about guilt?”
¨Officer O’Reilly, how did Mr. Davis respond and react when you caught him with the stolen laptop in his backpack?¨
compound question
“Speculation.”
“Your honor, the witness is testifying to what they personally observed, not guessing.”
“The car was speeding, wasn’t it?” (Objection: Leading)
“How fast was the car moving when you saw it?”
“What was the victim’s favorite ice cream flavor?”
Relevance
“Hearsay.”
“Your honor, this is not offered for the truth of the matter asserted but to show effect on the listener.”
“Why do you think she was nervous?” (Objection: Speculation)
“What did you observe about her behavior?”
“Tell us everything you did that day from the moment you woke up.”
Narrative
¨relevance.¨
“Your honor, this goes directly to credibility.”
“Tell the jury everything about the accident.” (Objection: Narrative)
“What happened when you first saw the accident begin?”
“Isn’t it true you were trying to cover up the crime?”
“Improper opinion.”
“Your honor, the witness is qualified as an expert.”
“You would agree the defendant looks guilty, right?” (Objection: Argumentative)
“What did you notice about the defendant’s behavior at that time?”