Procedure
What should the attorney objecting do if they object to a question by the opposing counsel?
Stand and say: "I object your honor."
During direct examination:
"You went to your mom's house later that night, didn't you?"
Objection: Leading Question.
"First thing I did was get up and go to work. It was a fairly normal day at work until the robbery, which happened around 1pm. After that the police came and began interviewing people. I was taken to the station and was there until around 10pm. After that I went home..."
Objection: Narrative Answer
When can you not use leading questions?
On Direct
Who can give their opinion at trial?
Experts
Who makes a decision as to whether an objection is sustained or overruled?
The Judge
"Did you determine the time of death by interviewing witnesses and by requesting the autopsy report written by the coroner?"
Objection: Compound Question
In a murder case, the attorney asks the defendant, "What is your favorite movie?"
Objection: Relevance
When can you use leading questions?
On Cross-Examination
Who are often called to give opinions in a trial?
Doctors, psychologists, forensic experts, etc.
What does the Judge say when he agrees with the objection?
Sustained
When a question calls for an answer that has nothing to do with the case.
Objection: Relevancy.
"Did you stop at the stop sign on 5th and Main?"
-no-
"So, to be clear, you ran the stop sign?"
Objection: Asked and Answered.
What materials can help you if you need to explain your objection to a Judge?
The Rules of Evidence.
What are opinion questions that are not objectionable?
Questions asking an opinion that anyone could give.
What is the decision of the judge if he or she disagrees with the objection?
Overruled
When you ask the witness the same question more than once.
Objection: Asked and Answered.
Question: "Weren't you the last person the victim saw on the night of his death?"
Response: "I didn't kill him!"
Objection: Non-Responsive Answer
What do you do if your question is objected to, and the Judge sustains the objection?
Ask a different question.
What are questions that are used to establish the expertise of a witness?
Foundation questions.
What do you do if you disagree with the Judge's ruling on your objection?
Sit down.
When on cross the attorney asks about something that was not mentioned in the direct examination.
Objection: Beyond scope of direct.
"I think Drew was have a psychotic episode--he was blabbering on and on about nothing."
Objection: Lay-Witness Opinion
What do you do if your question is objected to and the Judge asks you to respond?
Explain why your question should be allowed.
What is a question that an expert witness cannot be asked?
The attorney asks his or her expert witness "do you think the defendant committed the crime?"