objections

unfair extrapolation

witness creates a material fact not included in their official record

relevance

when the question (or its potential answer) has nothing to do with the trial or has no value of being asked

more prejudicial than probative

the value of the evidence as proof of fact is outweighed by the bias it creates

lacks foundation

evidence without establishing that the witness was in a position to know these facts

speculation

when a witness testifies about matter when they have no personal knowledge

opinion testimony

inferences and other subjective statements from a non-expert witness.

expert witness

a person with established knowledge of a specific area, who then may give an opinion based on this knowledge

character evidence

evidence of a person's personality traits or tendencies, offered to prove that a person acted in accordance with these traits

character evidence exceptions

Defendant’s own character (defense only), Victim’s character (defense only), Witness’ character (credibility), Habit to prove a specific behavior, Proving motive, intent, knowledge, identity, mistake

hearsay

an out of court statement

leading question

a question phrased in such a way as to suggest the desired answer; a lawyer may ask leading questions on cross-examination

compound question

a question that joins two alternatives with "and" or “or”

narrative

a question that is too general and calls for the witness to tell a story

argumentative

a question that challenges the witness about the evidence given, or a tone that is accusatory or harassing

asked and answered

when an attorney asks a question that has previously been answered

vague and ambiguous

a question that is not clear, understandable, or concise

non-responsive

when a witness does not answer the question, either by saying nothing, or by giving an off topic answer

outside the scope of cross examination

in redirect, when the attorney asks a question beyond the issues raised in cross-examination