Objections Definitions

Leading

A question that suggests or contains the answer the witness is expected to give. Generally not allowed on direct examination.

Hearsay

An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of what it asserts.

Relevance

The testimony or evidence does not make a fact at issue more or less likely to be true.

Speculation

The witness is guessing or testifying about something they do not have personal knowledge of.

Lack of Foundation

The attorney has not established that the witness has the knowledge, qualifications, or basis necessary to testify about the matter.

Asked and Answered

The attorney has already asked the question, and the witness has already provided an answer.

Calls for Narrative

The question is so broad that it invites the witness to give a lengthy, unrestricted response.

Argumentative

The attorney is arguing with or challenging the witness instead of asking a proper question.

Compound Question

The question asks two or more things at once, making it unclear what the witness is answering.

Mischaracterizes Testimony

The attorney inaccurately describes or summarizes what a witness previously said.

Assumes Facts Not in Evidence

The question assumes something is true when that fact has not yet been established through testimony or evidence.

Lack of Personal Knowledge

The witness is testifying about matters they did not personally observe or experience.