Vagueness, Ambiguity, Repetition, and Lack of Foundation

• Author: Joseph A. Ranney
• Pages: 79-86

13-1

Chapter 13

Vagueness, Ambiguity, Repetition, and

Lack of Foundation

I. VAGUE OR AMBIGUOUS QUESTIONS

§13:01 Objection: Question Too Vague or Ambiguous to Answer

§13:02 Handling a Vague Question Due to Distraction or Carelessness

§13:03 When Deposing Counsel Does Not Fully Understand the Subject Matter

§13:04 When the Witness Understands the Question But You Do Not

§13:05 Handling Attorneys and Witnesses Who Play the “Dictionary Game”

[§§13:06-13:09 Reserved]

II. REPETITIVE QUESTIONS

§13:10 Types of Repetitive Questions

§ 13:11 How Many Times Should You Allow a Question to Be Asked?

§13:12 Objection: Questions That Are Repeated Due to Forgetfulness

§13:13 Objection: Questions That Are Repeated When Returning to a Previously-Covered Subject

§13:14 Objection: Handling a “Sound Bite” Strategy

[§§13:15-13:19 Reserved]

III. QUESTIONS THAT LACK FOUNDATION

§13:20 Objection: Lack of Foundation

§13:21 Objections Based on Erroneous and Disputed Assumptions of Fact

§13:22 How to Object to a Question That Lacks Foundation

§13:23 How to Prepare Witnesses for Questions That Lack Foundation