Description
When an attorney asks a witness a question that has already been asked.
Purpose/Policy/Reason
Asking a witness a question that has already been answered wastes time and contributes nothing new to the trial.
Examples
“Sir, where were you on the night of February 14?”
(In this case, you would object to the question if it has already been asked by the attorney.)
“Ma’am, is your name Felicia Montague?”
(In this case, you would object to the question if it has already been asked by the attorney.)
“Did you take your girlfriend out for a smoothie last Wednesday, Mr. Jones?”
(In this case, you would object to the question if it has already been asked by the attorney.)
Federal and Georgia Mock Trial Rules of Evidence
Article VI. Witnesses
Rule 611. Mode and Order of Interrogation and Presentation
(a) Control by the Court; Purposes. The court should exercise reasonable control over the mode and order of examining witnesses and presenting evidence so as to:
- make those procedures effective for determining the truth;
- avoid wasting time; and
- protect witnesses from harassment or undue embarrassment.