Evidence Flashcards
(91 cards)
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Objections at trial should be made after the question, but before the answer, if the question calls for inadmissible matter. Here,
Objection - Leading
A leading question is one that suggests the answer. Leading questions are not allowed on direct examination, unless the witness is adverse, hostile, or needs special help (minors). Here,
Objection - Assumes Facts Not in Evidence
Whenever a question incorporates facts that have not been entered into evidence, the question is impermissible. Here,
Objection - Non-responsive
A non-responsive answer doesn’t answer the question asked or gives more information in the answer than what is asked for. Here,
Objection - Non-responsive: Motion to Strike
Counsel should move to strike everything beyond the “yes” since the remainder of the response is “non-responsive” to the question. Here,
Objection - Calls for a Narrative
A question calls for a narrative if it is open-ended and overbroad. This promotes short responses from the witness that do not contain relevant and prejudicial information. Here,
Objection - Argumentative
A question is argumentative if it tries to make an argument instead of seeking an answer. Here,
Objection - Sepculation
Speculation occurs when the W is guessing at the answer and has no personal knowledge of the answer. A witness is not allowed to speculate. Here,
Objection - Compound
A compound question is one that asks multiple questions, yet request only one response for all the questions. Compound questions are NOT allowed. Here,
Objection - Outside the Scope of Direct
Cross-examination is generally limited to 1) the scope of direct examination, including all reasonable inferences that may be drawn from it, and 2) testing the credibility of the witness. Here,
Purpose
Are there any issues with WHY the evidence is being presented?
Purpose - Relevance
Evidence is logically relevant if it tends to make the existence of a material fact more or less probable. In CA, the material fact must be in dispute for it to be logically relevant. However, the court has discretion to exclude otherwise relevant evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by its risk of unfair prejudice, confusion, or waste of time. Here,
Purpose - Relevance: Similar Occurrence (PIP INC)
Evidence is usually irrelevant if it does not relate to the same time, event, or person in controversy. However, similar prior occurrences can be relevant to prove 1) pre-existing injury, 2) impossibility (rebut), 3) property value, 4) intent, 5) notice (or lack of), and 6) causation. Here,
Purpose - Relevance: CA Prop 8 (Truth in Evidence)
Prop 8 applies to CA criminal cases, and it allows all relevant evidence to be admissible UNLESS the evidence relates to hearsay, privilege, secondary evidence rule, or rape victim. However, the judge may nevertheless exclude the Prop 8 evidence under CED 352 after applying a balancing test. Here,
Purpose - Public Policy Reasons (LOOSE)
Evidence that is relevant may still be excluded based on public policy reasons. Here,
Purpose - Public Policy Reasons (LOOSE): Liability Insurance
Evidence of insurance is NOT admissible to prove negligence or an ability to pay, but insurance is admissible to prove ownership and control, or to impeach. The purpose of this rule is to encourage people to carry insurance. Here,
Purpose - Public Policy Reasons (LOOSE): Offers to Settle
In civil cases, settlements and related negotiations are inadmissible to prove liability. There must be an actual or threatened claim for this exception to apply. The purpose is to encourage settlements out of court. In CA, discussions during mediation proceedings are also inadmissible.
In criminal cases, withdrawn pleas and related negotiations are inadmissible to prove guilt. This supports the public policy of encouraging pleas out of court. Under Prop 8, this evidence may be admissible, but the courts will balance unfair prejudice. Here,
Purpose - Public Policy Reasons (LOOSE): Offers to Pay Medical Expenses
Payment or offers to pay medical expenses are inadmissible to prove liability, but related statements of fact by the D are admissible.
In CA, both statements are excluded. Here,
Purpose - Public Policy Reasons (LOOSE): Subsequent Remedial Measures
Evidence of repairs or other precautionary measures made following an injury is not admissible unless it is to 1) prove ownership or control, 2) rebut a claim that the precaution was not feasible, or 3) prove that the opposing party has destroyed the evidence. Here,
In CA, evidence that a product was redesigned following an accident is admissible to prove the original design was defective, but not admissible to prove negligence. Here,
Purpose - Public Policy Reasons (LOOSE): CA ONLY Expressions of Sympathy
Statements expressing sympathy for pain or injury to an accident victim are not admissible, but statements of fault made with the expression of sympathy are admissible. Here,
Purpose - Character Evidence
Generally evidence of a person’s character or general disposition is inadmissible to prove that a person acted in conformity with that character occasion. However, certain exceptions apply depending on if it is a civil or criminal case. Depending on the circumstances, character evidence can be introduced by reputation and opinion testimony, or by specific prior acts.
Purpose - Character Evidence: Civil Case
In a civil case, character evidence is admissible if character is directly at issue in the case, such as a defamation, fraud, tort battery (violence defense), etc. Under FRE, character evidence is also allowed for claims based on sexual assault or child molestation, but under CA rules this is not an exception. Here,
Purpose - Character Evidence: Civil Case - Habit
Evidence of a person’s habits are admissible to prove the likelihood of a person’s conduct on a particular occasion. As opposed to character evidence about a person’s general disposition, habit evidence focuses on a person’s frequent and repetitive conduct. Such conduct in a business setting is called Routine Practice. Here,
Purpose - Character Evidence: Criminal Case
In a criminal case, the prosecution cannot initiate evidence of a D’s bad character or prior crimes merely to show D was more likely to commit the crime charged. However, if D first puts his character in issue then he “opens the door” to character evidence. Here,