Of course! Objection practice is one of the most critical skills for a mock trial attorney. Here is a comprehensive guide, complete with a practice scenario, common objections, and a structured drill.

Part 1: The Foundation - Common Objections & Rules

First, let's review the most frequent objections you'll encounter.

A. Foundation & Formulation Objections (The "How" of the Question)

These object to the way a question is asked.

• Leading the Witness (Direct Examination Only):


• When: On direct examination, when the attorney asks a question that suggests the answer.


• Example: "You saw the blue car run the red light, didn't you?"


• Objection: "Objection, leading."


• Judge's Response: "Sustained. Rephrase the question." (On cross-examination, leading questions are allowed and expected).


• Argumentative:


• When: The attorney is badgering, arguing with the witness, or insulting their credibility instead of asking a factual question.


• Example: "You expect this jury to believe such a ridiculous story?"


• Objection: "Objection, argumentative."


• Judge's Response: "Sustained."


• Compound Question:


• When: A single question contains multiple, separate questions.


• Example: "Did you go to the store and then come home?"


• Objection: "Objection, compound question."


• Judge's Response: "Sustained. Ask one question at a time."


• Vague/Ambiguous:


• When: The question is so unclear that the witness cannot know what is being asked.


• Example: "What did you do about that thing?"


• Objection: "Objection, vague and ambiguous."


• Judge's Response: "Sustained. Counsel, please clarify your question."

B. Relevance & Prejudice Objections (The "Why" of the Question)

These object to the purpose and impact of the evidence.

• Relevance (Rule 403):


• When: The question or evidence does not relate to a fact of consequence in the case.


• Example: In a theft case, asking "Isn't it true you cheated on a test in high school?"


• Objection: "Objection, relevance."


• Prosecutor's/Plaintiff's Response: "Your Honor, this goes to the witness's character for truthfulness."


• Judge's Response (Likely): "Overruled, but get to the point quickly." OR "Sustained. Move on, counsel."


• Unfair Prejudice (Rule 403):


• When: The evidence, while marginally relevant, is so inflammatory that it would cause the jury to decide the case on an improper basis.


• Example: Showing gruesome, repetitive photos of a victim when the cause of death is not in dispute.


• Objection: "Objection, the probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice."


• Judge's Response: "Sustained. The jury will disregard the photo."

C. Hearsay & Witness Competence Objections (The "What" of the Answer)

These object to the content of the testimony.

• Hearsay (Rule 801):


• When: A witness is testifying about an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted.


• Example: "My friend told me that the defendant was the one who stole the laptop."


• Objection: "Objection, hearsay."


• Proponent's Response: "Your Honor, this is not for the truth of the matter, but to show the witness's state of mind." OR "It's an admission by a party-opponent."


• Judge's Response: If the response is valid, "Overruled." If not, "Sustained."


• Lack of Personal Knowledge / Speculation (Rule 602):


• When: A witness is testifying about something they did not see, hear, or perceive with their own senses.


• Example: "I think the defendant must have been angry."


• Objection: "Objection, calls for speculation," or "Objection, witness lacks personal knowledge."


• Judge's Response: "Sustained."


• Non-Responsive Answer:


• When: The witness's answer does not address the question that was asked. (Note: This is the only common objection made by the attorney who called the witness).


• Example:


• Attorney: "What time did you arrive?"


• Witness: "Well, my neighbor is always saying I'm unreliable..."


• Objection: "Objection, the witness is non-responsive."


• Judge's Response: "Sustained. The witness will answer the question asked."

Part 2: Mock Trial Practice Scenario

Case: State v. Kelly. The defendant, Taylor Kelly, is charged with burglary. The witness, Jamie Lee, is a neighbor.

Direct Examination by the Prosecutor:

Prosecutor: "Ms. Lee, you were home on the night of October 31st, correct?"
Witness: "Yes, I was."
Prosecutor: "And you saw Taylor Kelly carrying a flat-screen television out of the Miller's house, didn't you?"

Defense Objection: "Objection, leading."

Judge: "Sustained. Rephrase, counsel."

Prosecutor (rephrasing): "Ms. Lee, what did you see Taylor Kelly doing?"
Witness: "I saw him carrying a large, flat object from the Miller's front door to his car. Another neighbor, Sam, yelled over to me that it was definitely a new TV."

Defense Objection: "Objection, hearsay as to what Sam said."

Judge: "Sustained. The jury will disregard the comment about what Sam said."

Prosecutor: "What did you do next?"
Witness: "I was so scared. I mean, Taylor Kelly is a huge guy who has been in fights before. I just knew he was dangerous."

Defense Objection: "Objection, speculation and lack of personal knowledge as to the defendant's character and state of mind."

Judge: "Sustained."

Prosecutor: "Let's focus on what you saw. Did you see Mr. Kelly's face?"
Witness: "Well, it was dark, but I saw his jacket. It was one of those expensive brand names. I think people who wear those clothes are just showing off and think they're better than everyone else."

Defense Objection: "Objection, non-responsive and argumentative."

Judge: "Sustained. The witness will answer the question that was asked. The jury will disregard the last comment."

Part 3: Objection Drill - Rapid Fire

Read the following questions and answers. State the correct objection. Answers are below.

Scenario: A negligence case about a car accident.

• Attorney (on direct): "So, after the defendant ran the stop sign, your car was totaled, right?"


• Objection?


• Witness (on cross): "I'm not sure how fast I was going. But the other driver was probably texting, everyone does it these days."


• Objection?


• Attorney (on direct): "What did you see and hear after the collision?"


• Objection?


• Attorney (on cross): "You've given three different statements about this event, haven't you? You're a liar, aren't you?"


• Objection?


• Witness (on direct): "My mechanic told me that the damage to my car would cost over $10,000 to fix."


• Objection?


• Attorney (on direct): "Where were you and what were you doing on the day of the incident?"


• Objection?

• Leading. (Direct examination with a question that suggests the answer).


• Speculation / Lack of Personal Knowledge. (The witness admits they don't know and are guessing about texting).


• Compound Question. ("What did you see and hear..." is two questions).


• Argumentative. (The attorney is directly insulting the witness and arguing instead of questioning).


• Hearsay. (The witness is repeating an out-of-court statement from the mechanic to prove the cost of damages).


• Vague / Ambiguous. ("The incident" is unclear. It should be "the car accident on May 5th."

Pro Tips for Mock Trial:

• Stand Up: Always rise when making an objection.


• Be Confident & Calm: Say "Objection, Your Honor," followed by the specific ground (e.g., "hearsay").


• Don't Object Too Much: You will annoy the judge and jury.