BUILDING BLOCK #4

OBJECTIONS

At the end of the course you should be able to perform the following with regards to the making and meeting of objections:

1. Have a REASON for objecting

2. Decide whether objecting will MAKE IT WORSE

3. Determine whether the objection will be SUSTAINED

4. Make a RECORD for appeal

5. AVOID making the objection in front of the jury

6. Know HOW to object:

A. Stand

B. Be timely

C. State “Objection”

D. Brief statement of grounds

E. Address judge, not opposing counsel

F. Sound confident

G. Approach bench to argue

7. Know how to RESPOND to objections:

A. Request permission to be heard

B. Approach bench to argue

C. Wait for ruling

D. Offer for a limited purpose where appropriate

E. Make a conditional offer where appropriate

F. Make an offer of proof when necessary

G. Rephrase if objection is to the form of the question

H. If objection is overruled, ask question again

8. Know BASES for objections (see Mauet p. 471)