Top 10 Objections in Court (MUST KNOW)

The video script begins with an introduction to the topic of trial objections, highlighting the top 10 most common objections used in courtrooms. The speaker, Jarrett Stone, invites viewers to download a cheat sheet covering 21 common objections, emphasizing their importance in front of a jury. The script also humorously references the complexity of courtroom procedures, comparing them to popular culture, specifically the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the speaker's personal experiences.

This paragraph delves into the strategic use of objections in a trial, likening them to both a sword and a shield. The speaker explains the importance of objections in preventing the jury from hearing improper evidence and in disrupting the opposing counsel's questioning strategy. The paragraph also touches on the need for a lawyer to exercise judgment when objecting to maintain credibility with the jury and to effectively use objections as part of their trial strategy.

The speaker discusses the first common trial objection, 'objection leading,' which is typically made during direct examination when opposing counsel asks leading questions. The paragraph explains the rationale behind avoiding leading questions, which assume the answer within the question itself. It also outlines the exceptions to this rule and the importance of making a judgment call before objecting, including the option to provide a speaking objection to clarify the reason for the objection to the jury.

The third and fourth objections addressed are 'speculation' and 'calls for speculation.' The speaker emphasizes the importance of preventing expert witnesses from guessing or speculating, which is the jury's role. The paragraph details how to object when a witness is clearly guessing or when a question is inherently speculative. It also covers how to respond if such an objection is made against you, including admitting the mistake, providing additional foundational questions, or moving on to a different line of questioning.

The fifth objection, 'hearsay,' is discussed with an emphasis on its complexity due to the numerous exceptions to the rule. The speaker advises objecting to hearsay whenever an out-of-court statement is introduced, placing the burden on the opposing counsel to prove its admissibility. The paragraph also suggests preparing for hearsay objections by familiarizing oneself with the rules and exceptions and being ready to argue one's case effectively.

The sixth objection, 'asked and answered,' is used when opposing counsel repeatedly asks the same question in different ways during cross-examination, receiving the same answer each time. The speaker explains how this objection can be used to move the examination along and protect the witness from being cornered. It also covers how to respond if this objection is made against you, which may involve admitting the lack of a new answer or asking the question one more time for clarity.

The seventh objection, 'relevance,' is discussed with a focus on its potential to disrupt the flow of a trial if used too frequently or too early. The speaker advises waiting for an opportune moment to object to irrelevant questions, especially during direct examination, and using the objection as a last resort to maintain a professional demeanor and respect for judicial economy.

The eighth objection, 'argumentative,' is typically used during cross-examination when opposing counsel's questions become more like statements, lacking a clear question at the end. The speaker suggests waiting until the questioning becomes obviously argumentative before objecting, to avoid appearing overly contentious and to protect the witness from aggressive questioning.

The ninth objection, 'non-responsive,' is used when a witness refuses to answer a question during cross-examination. The speaker explains the importance of using this objection judiciously, as the judge is less likely to grant leeway on this point during cross-examination. It also covers how to respond if this objection is made against you, which may involve rephrasing the question or moving on if the witness continues to dodge the question.

The tenth objection, 'compound,' is used when a question contains two or more facts that have not been established, potentially confusing the jury. The speaker advises always objecting to compound questions to ensure clarity in the court record and explains how to respond if this objection is made against you, which involves breaking the question into simpler, single-fact questions.

The final objection discussed, 'narrative,' is used when a witness goes off on a tangent, no longer answering the question asked. The speaker recommends being cautious with this objection to avoid appearing obstructive and suggests making the objection only when the witness clearly deviates from the question. It also covers how to respond if this objection is made against you, which may involve following up with a more pointed question to bring the witness back on track.