Form of the Question

• Library: Objections Guidebook (2022 Ed.)

Form of the Question

· In addition to substantive objections concerning the question (hearsay, improper impeachment), there are several objections to the form of the question. Some of these objections are listed below:

- Answer to question was nonresponsive

- If a witness’s answer is not responsive to the question, counsel should move the court to strike the answer and to instruct the jury to disregard it. State v. Johnson, 483 S.W.2d 65, 68–69 (Mo. banc 1972). The trial court can exclude the testimony if the witness provides a nonresponsive answer. Edwards v. Union Pac. R. Co., 854 S.W.2d 518, 521 (Mo. App. E.D. 1983). See Missouri Evidence §9.20, p. 140 (MoBar 6 ^th ed. 2017). In State v. McWhirter, 935 S.W.2d 778, 782 (Mo. App. W.D. 1996), the court discussed under what circumstances counsel questioning the witness and opposing counsel could object to a nonresponsive answer.

- Compound question

- See Missouri Evidence §9.18, p. 139 (MoBar 6 ^th ed. 2017); State v. Debold, 735 S.W.2d 23, 26 (Mo. App. E.D. 1987). The question in Debold, which was found to be a negative

...