Common Trial Objections

courtroom gavel

Common Trial Objections

By Hon. Robert J. Trentacosta

Objections to the Form of Questions

  • Ambiguous or unintelligible
  • Argumentative
  • Asked and Answered
  • Assumes facts not in evidence
  • Calls for a narrative
  • Calls for speculation or conjecture
  • Compound
  • Leading

Objections to Proffered Evidence

  • Cross-examination exceeds the scope of direct examination
  • Cumulative
  • Calls for an inadmissible lay opinion
  • Hearsay
  • Improper Impeachment
  • Improper Rehabilitation
  • Irrelevant
  • Lack of personal knowledge of witness
  • Lack of Foundation
  • Question calls for information that is privileged

Motions to Strike

  • Answer is non-responsive to the question
  • Answer violates court’s previous in limine rulings.

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