Objections
This objection is made when the lawyer’s question cannot be answered without the witness guessing.
Speculation
The lawyer asks, “What did your friend tell you happened that day?”
Hearsay
The person who decides if objections are sustained or overruled.
The judge.
These notes are the only source a witness can use to testify.
Witness statement/affadavit
The responsibility of a party to prove their claims in court.
Burden of proof
This objection is used when the lawyer asks two questions at once.
Compound question.
The lawyer asks, “You were mad and jealous of her success, weren’t you?”
Argumentative
The order of trial speeches goes: opening statements, witness examinations, then these final speeches.
Closing arguments
When a witness makes up facts not in their statement, this objection can be raised.
Invention of fact.
The standard that must be met for the prosecution in a criminal case.
Beyond a reasonable doubt
This objection stops a witness from repeating something said outside of court.
Hearsay
The lawyer asks, “Where were you on the night of May 12th, and who else was there?”
Compound question.
In mock trial, this side always presents their case first.
Prosecution/plaintiff
On cross-examination, witnesses are only asked questions warranting this answer.
Yes or no
Rules that determine whether evidence can be presented to the court.
Admissibility.
This objection is used when a lawyer tries to get information that doesn’t matter to the case.
Relevance
The witness is asked, “Wouldn’t you agree that the defendant probably meant to hurt him?”
The only time a lawyer can give a speech directly to the jury/judge.
Opening or closing statement
If a witness changes their story from what is written, a lawyer can do this to point out the inconsistency.
Impeachment
A witness’s reliability or trustworthiness as assessed by the court or jury.
Credibility
This objection argues that the question suggests the answer the lawyer wants the witness to give.
Leading
The lawyer asks (on direct), “You’re a good student, you respect the rules, and you would never cheat, right?”
Leading question
This rule says a lawyer can only ask questions about topics brought up in cross examination.
The scope of the redirect.
This phrase describes when a witness adds unnecessary information beyond the lawyer’s question.
Narrative.
Legal principle that previous court decisions guide rulings in similar future cases.
Precendent