Objections During Closing Argument

• Author: Edward L. Birnbaum/Carl T. Grasso/Justice Ariel E. Belen
• Pages: 941-962

CLOSING ARGUMENT:

OBJECTIONS

31-1

CHAPTER 31

OBJECTIONS DURING

CLOSING ARGUMENT

I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

A. Purposes

§31:01 Object to Obtain Curative Instruction

§31:02 Object to Establish Record for Appeal

§31:03 Motion for Mistrial as Alternative to Objection

B. In Addition to Objecting

§31:10 Object to Curative Instruction

§31:11 Move for Mistrial

§31:12 Appeal

C. Strategy

§31:20 Whether to Object

§31:21 Plaintiff’s Tactics

§31:22 Defendant’s Tactics

D. How to Object

§31:30 Form

§31:31 Timing

E. Respond to Objections

§31:40 Preserve Record

§31:41 Try Again

II. GROUNDS FOR OBJECTINGIMPROPER ARGUMENT

A. Introduction

§31:50 Avoid Improper Argument

§31:51 Extraneous Remarks

B. Appeals to Prejudice

§31:60 Impropriety

§31:61 Race

§31:62 Religion

C. Comments on Credibility

§31:70 Objectionable Arguments

§31:71 Experts

D. Personal Attacks

§31:80 Attacking Character

§31:81 Attacking Corporation

§31:82 Attacking Opposing Counsel

CLOSING ARGUMENT:

OBJECTIONS

New York Trial Notebook 31-2

E. Financial Arguments

§31:90 Defendant’s Finances

§31:91 Plaintiff’s Finances

F. Discussing Damages

§31:100 General Rule

§31:101 Per Diem Measure

G. Other Grounds

§31:110 Arguing Facts Not in Evidence

§31:111 Misrepresenting Evidence

§31:112 Erroneously Arguing Law

§31:113 Commenting on Missing Witness

§31:114 Comment on Privilege

§31:115 Defendant’s Decision Not to Use Surveillance Tapes

§31:116 Expressing Personal Views

§31:117 Bidding for Sympathy

§31:118 Suggesting Unjustif‌ied Claim

§31:119 Arguing for Improper Purpose