Order of the Trial
What is the first step in a trial?
Opening Statement
What does it mean when a judge "sustains" an objection?
It means that the objection is valid.
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.
In Mock Trial, can the witness testify to things outside of their affidavit?
No
In a civil trial, is the losing party "liable" or "guilty"?
"Liable"
Which party starts the trial, the plaintiff/prosecution or defendant? Why?
Plaintiff/Prosecution because they are bringing the lawsuit
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.
Are the attorneys conducting a direct examination permitted to ask leading questions?
No
How does an attorney impeach a witness?
The attorney must show that the witness contradicted him/herself in his/her testimony.
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.
What comes first, the direct examination or the cross examination?
Direct examination
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.
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.
How many witnesses does CT Mock Trial use?
Six (three for each side)
What three sports has Nikhil played?
Baseball, Basketball, and Soccer
Who decides which of the plaintiff/defendant's witnesses testifies first?
The party calling the witness decides.
Is the following statement admissible through a Hearsay Exception? If so, which one?
"Suddenly, the fire alarm started blaring, and Mrs. Smith exclaimed, 'UGH! What is wrong with this building?!'"
Yes, it is admissible through Hearsay Exception 803(2): Excited Utterance (A statement relating to a startling event or condition, made while the declarant was under the stress of excitement that it caused.)
Who should do most of the talking during a direct examination?
The witness
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.
What is Halona's least favorite Disney movie?
Pocahontas 2
When does the attorney conduct a re-direct examination?
A re-direct examination is conducted right after cross examination.
List 5 possible grounds for objection.
Leading questions, narration, relevance, asked and answered, hearsay, lack of foundation, compound question, badgering the witness
Who should do most of the talking during a cross examination?
The attorney
What must the attorney do before an expert witness's testimony may be heard?
The attorney must "qualify" the witness.
What is Shriya's favorite form of public transportation?
The Tube (London Underground)