SCMTA Objections & Rules of Evidence Jeopardy (password: Gomockers)

Approaching Objections

100

Objections can be either ____ or ____ by a judge

Sustained or Overruled

200

After a judge rules on an objection, you must respond with ____

"Yes, your honor"

300

What kind of objection is "Objection, hearsay"?

Non-speaking objection

400

Unlike non-speaking objections, speaking objections provide ____.

Commentary, argument, grounds, or basis.

500

Objections should not be raised ____.

- After a Witness Has Answered (Untimely Objection)

- During Jury Instructions 

- During Bench Conferences 

- Once an Issue is Waived

- During Pre-trial Motions

- During Opening/Closing Statements (not a rule but a custom)

Relevance & Prejudice

100

Bias is relevant ____.

ALWAYS!

200

According to rule ____, relevant evidence is ____; whereas, irrelevant evidence  is ____.

402 

admissible 

inadmissible 

300

Cumulative evidence (which is prohibited) presents ____.

*offer an example 

the same thing repeatedly 

Example: 30 crime scene photos showing the same angle

400

According to rule 403, even if relevant, evidence may be excluded for ____.

Prejudice, confusion, waste of time, ...

500

Language describing prejudice

The probative value is/is not substantially outweighed by the prejudicial effect. 

Character Evidence

100

In mock trial, intent to tender character evidence must be shared ____.

during the Captain's meeting.

200

What kind of character evidence is allowed?

Evidence proving motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake

300

Character evidence _____ are prohibited.

aiming to prove that on a particular occasion specific actions were taken

400

What is the rule number for character evidence/propensity to act in a certain way?

404

500

According to rule 405, character can be proven by ____ or ____.

-Reputation/opinion 

or 

-Specific instances of conduct

Hearsay, Speculation, & Need for Personal Knowledge

100

Define hearsay

an out-of-court statement asserted for the truth of the matter asserted.

200

According to rule ____, statements can be ____ (forms of expression).

801

oral, written, or non-verbal 

300

Speculation is prohibited under rule ____.

602

400

Are witnesses' prior statements and opposing party statements hearsay exceptions or non-hearsay?

Non-hearsay

500

What are three exceptions to hearsay? 

**Bonus points for naming the two applicable rules

803 (and 804 - Declarant Unavailability)

Present Sense Impression

Excited Utterance

Then-Existing Mental, Emotional, or Physical Condition

(+ Others)

Common Objections + Misc.

100

Judges and attorneys may/may not testify.

MAY NOT (Rule 605 - Rule Against Testimony from Judges)

200

If behavior persists that you have already objected to, you may ____.

Renew your objection

300

What does rule 611b prohibit?

Leading questions

*However, these are allowed during cross-examination.

400

Which rule of evidence prohibits badgering and harassment? 

611a

500

Name the rule number against compound questions.

403