Examples

Question 1

“Tell us what you know about this case.”

Answer 1

Narrative

Question 2

“What is your gender?”

Answer 2

Relevance

Question 3

“Isn’t it true you stated the car was used as the murder weapon?”

Answer 3

Leading Question(s)

Question 4

“Does an official written record of your observations exist?”

Answer 4

Lack of Foundation

Question 5

“The Defendant is capable of . . . ?”

Answer 5

Argumentative

Question 6

“Tell us why you think the defendant stalked the victim.”

Answer 6

Speculation

Question 7

“What did the defendant say about the victim in school?” (The witness was not present for this conversation.)

Answer 7

Hearsay

Question 8

“Harassing tone of voice, Sarcasm, Insults, Derogatory Comments or editorializing, etc.” (Answer the question or else.)

Answer 8

Badgering the Witness

Question 9

“Isn’t it true, this knife is the murder weapon?” (Asked 3 times in a row.)

Answer 9

Repetitive

Question 10

“Where were you the night of the incident in question?” Asked at different times in a line of questioning.)

Answer 10

Asked & Answered

Question 11

“Why . . . ?”

Answer 11

Unfair Extrapolation

Question 12

“Explain to the court what John Doe’s speeding ticket from 4 years ago says about them?”

Answer 12

Improper Character Evidence

Question 13

“Had you been in that situation, would you have done the same? Why?”

Answer 13

Assuming Facts Not in Evidence (Hypothetical)

Question 14

“Where did you go after the incident in question?” (Not covered on the cross.)

Answer 14

Beyond the Scope

Question 15

“Was the driver drunk at the time of the incident?” (Witness not present at the time of the accident.)

Answer 15

Lack of Personal/Professional Knowledge

Question 16

The witness does not respond at all or gives an evasive answer.

Answer 16

Non Responsive Answer