Approved Objections

This page provides a comprehensive guide to approved courtroom motions and objections, designed for legal professionals, court staff, and students. Each entry includes a clear explanation to support accurate and effective courtroom practice during arraignments, bail hearings, and trial proceedings.

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Objection to Relevance

Objects when evidence or testimony does not relate to the case or issue at hand. Example: “Objection, relevance.”

Objection to Hearsay

Objects to statements made out of court that are offered for the truth of the matter asserted, unless an exception applies.

Objection to Leading Question

Objects to a question that suggests the answer (typically allowed only on cross-examination).

Objection to Speculation

Objects when a witness is asked to guess or assume facts they don’t know. Example: “Objection, calls for speculation.”

Objection to Lack of Foundation

Used when the party hasn’t established the basis for the witness’s testimony or the evidence.

Objection to Improper Opinion

Objects when a witness offers an opinion they are not qualified to give (e.g., non-expert on a technical matter).

Objection to Argumentative

Objects to questions meant more to argue with the witness than to elicit facts.

Objection to Asked and Answered

Objects when the same question has already been asked and answered, often used to prevent badgering.

Objection to Compound Question

Objects when two or more questions are asked together, potentially confusing the witness or jury.

Objection to Misstates the Evidence

Objects when opposing counsel inaccurately summarizes prior testimony or evidence.

Objection to Calls for a Narrative

Used when a question invites the witness to give a long, unfocused response, which can introduce inadmissible material.

Objection to Non-Responsive

Raised when a witness doesn’t answer the question asked (often used during cross-examination).

Objection to Vague or Ambiguous

Objects when a question is unclear or too broad for the witness to answer accurately.