mock trial

Mock Trial Rules of Evidence

Rules governing the conduct of trials that promote fairness and structure testimony presentation.

Unfair Extrapolation (UE)

An objection that applies when a witness creates a material fact not included in their official record.

Leading Questions

Questions that suggest the desired answer, which are not allowed during direct examination.

Hearsay

Statements made outside of court, not admissible to prove the truth of the matter stated due to unreliability.

Relevance

Evidence that makes a fact more or less probable, admissible unless ruled otherwise by a pretrial motion.

Personal Knowledge

A requirement that a witness can only testify to matters they have directly observed or have knowledge of.

Compound Question

A question that combines two alternatives, making it difficult for the witness to provide an effective answer.

Narrative

A question that calls for a witness to provide a broad and unspecific answer like telling a story.

Character Evidence

Evidence of a person’s personal traits or tendencies, generally inadmissible to prove actions on a specific occasion.

Opinion Testimony

Inferences and subjective statements of a witness, admissible if rationally based on their perception and helpful.

Expert Witness

A qualified individual who may testify and give opinions based on professional experience to assist in resolving issues.

Objection

A formal protest against a question or evidence presented in court, requiring the judge's ruling.

Sustained

When a judge agrees with an objection, indicating that the question or evidence cannot be considered.

Struck from the record

When testimony or evidence is removed from official court records following a successful objection.

Prior Inconsistent Statement

A statement made by a witness that contradicts their current trial testimony, admissible to challenge credibility.

Excited Utterance

A hearsay exception for statements made during or shortly after an event under stress of excitement.

Dying Declaration

A statement made by a dying person about the cause or circumstances of their death, admissible under specific conditions.