Table of Contents

• Jurisdiction: United States

I. Overview of Evidence..........................1

A. Introduction......................................................1

B. Direct Examination...........................................3

1. Preparing Your Direct Examination.................................3

2. Witness Competency...................................................5

3. Form of Questions.......................................................5

4. Practice Pointers..........................................................6

5. Redirect Examination...................................................8

C. Cross-Examination............................................9

1. Strategic Considerations...............................................9

2. Scope ...................................................................... 11

3. Expert Witnesses.......................................................12

D. Objections.....................................................13

1. When to Object........................................................13

2. Form of Objections....................................................14

3. Appellate Preservation and Offers of Proof ................... 15

4. Common Objections .................................................. 18

E. Demonstrative Evidence..................................20

F. Expert Evidence..............................................22

1. The Expert Must Be Qualified......................................22

2. The Testimony Must Be Helpful to the Fact-Finder...........24

3. The Testimony Must Be Reliable ................................... 26

4. Procedural Considerations .......................................... 28

G. Motions in Limine...........................................29

1. The "Definitive Ruling" Standard..................................30

2. Grounds for Motions in Limine....................................31

3. Practical Considerations.............................................31

H. Pre-Trial Preparation.......................................33

1. Undisputed Facts and Stipulations................................33

2. Exhibits....................................................................34

3. Witness Lists.............................................................36

4. Deposition Designations.............................................37

5. Demonstrative Aids....................................................37

6. Direct-Testimony Declarations......................................38

7. Technology....................................