Mock Trial Objections Practice

Scene: A car accident lawsuit. During direct examination:
Plaintiff Attorney: "Isn't it true that the screeching brakes you heard were definitely from the defendant's car, the one that ran the red light?"
Plaintiff Witness: "Well, based on the noise..."
Defense Attorney: Objection.

Justice: Sustained. Attorney, please rephrase your question.

What type of objection is this likely to be?

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

The attorney is trying to put words in the witness's mouth. Leading questions are appropriate during cross examination, but not during direct.

Scene: A slip and fall case at a grocery store. During cross-examination.
Defense Attorney: "Mr. Jones, isn't it a well-known fact that bananas are especially slippery when wet?"

Plaintiff Witness: ...

Plaintiff Attorney: Objection!

Justice: Sustained. Attorney, please rephrase your question.

This question is likely an objection for:

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

The attorney is trying to put words in the witness's mouth.The question doesn't ask about facts relevant to the case. This is not a leading question since it's in cross examination.

Scene: A theft trial. During cross-examination.
Witness: "I believe the defendant stole the necklace because he seemed nervous the entire time."
Plaintiff Attorney: Objection!

Justice: Sustained. Jury strike that from the record. Witness, please answer the question.

What is the most likely reason for this objection?

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

The witness is stating their belief, not what they observed.

Scene: A contract dispute. During cross-examination.
Defense Attorney: "Ms. Smith, can you tell us the specific details of the contract you signed?"
Plaintiff Witness: "I'd rather not discuss my financial situation in public."

Defense Attorney: Objection!
Justice: Sustained. Witness, please answer the question.

What is the most likely reason for this objection?

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

The witness avoids answering the question directly.

Scene: A medical malpractice case. During cross-examination.
Plaintiff Attorney: "Doctor Lee, after you performed the surgery, did the patient's condition improve?"
Doctor Lee: "In my professional opinion, the surgery was a success."

Defense Attorney: Objection!
Justice: Sustained. Jury will strike this from the record. Doctor Lee, please answer the question with facts.

What is the most likely reason for this objection?

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

The witness avoids answering the question directly.The doctor is stating their opinion on the surgery's success, not just the patient's condition.

Scene: A property damage case. During cross-examination.
Defense Attorney: "Did your house ever have a history of flooding problems, even before my client's construction project next door?"
Plaintiff Witness: "I'm not sure what that has to do with the damage caused by the cracked foundation."

Plaintiff Attorney: Objection!
Justice: Sustained. Defense please refresh your question.

What is the most likely reason for this objection?

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

The question's about past flooding, not the current damage.

Scene: A custody hearing. During cross-examination.
Plaintiff Attorney: "Ms. Garcia, can you elaborate on the specific reasons why you believe you should be awarded primary custody of your children?"
(Defense) Ms. Garcia: "Because I'm their mother, and I love them very much."

Defense Attorney: Objection!
Justice: Sustained. Jury will strike this from the record. Ms. Garcia, please answer the questions with the evidence presented so far in the case.

What is the most likely reason for this objection?

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

While love is important, specific reasons for custody are needed.

Scene: A witness tampering trial. During cross-examination.
Plaintiff Attorney: "Mr. Johnson, did you receive any money from the defendant in exchange for changing your testimony?"
Defense- Mr. Johnson: "Your Honor, I'm feeling very uncomfortable with this line of questioning."

Defense Attorney: Objection!
Justice: Sustained. Witness please answer the question.

What is the most likely reason for this objection?

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

While love is important, specific reasons for custody are needed.

Scene: A copyright infringement case for a song. During cross-examination.

Plaintiff Attorney: "Ms. Jones, did you enjoy eating pizza last night?"
Defense Witness: "Yes, it was delicious!"

Defense Attorney: Objection!
Justice: Sustained. Jury will strike this from the record. Plaintiff Attorney please ask a different question.

What is the most likely reason for this objection?

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

This question is immaterial because the witness's enjoyment of pizza has no bearing on the copyright case.

Scene: A speeding ticket case. During cross-examination.
Defense Attorney: "Officer Williams, do you think speeding laws are sometimes unfair to hardworking people?"

Plaintiff- Officer Williams: ...

Plaintiff Attorney: Objection!
Justice: Sustained. Jury will strike this from the record. Plaintiff Attorney please ask a different question.

What is the most likely reason for this objection?

• Leading Questions

• Immaterial

• Opinions and Conclusions

• Nonresponsive answer

Answer explanation

This question is immaterial because the officer's opinion on the fairness of the law doesn't affect whether the defendant was speeding. Not a leading question since it is during a cross-examination.