An objection states the specific ground for excluding evidence or barring a question. Common grounds include hearsay, lack of foundation, speculation, relevance, leading, argumentative, and asked and answered.
A timely and specific objection is generally required to preserve the issue for appellate review.
Alternative Names:
Objection, Evidentiary Objection
Why it Matters?
Objection practice balances preservation against jury perception, since a lawyer who objects constantly appears to be hiding something. The disciplined approach is to resolve as much as possible through motions in limine so that trial objections are few and consequential. When an objection is necessary, specificity matters, because a general objection frequently fails to preserve the issue on appeal.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Does a general objection preserve the issue?
What if evidence is excluded?
