Description
When a witness does not answer the questions of an attorney that is direct examining or cross-examining him/her, the attorney may object and request that the judge instruct the witness to answer the question.
Purpose/Policy/Reason
If this objection did not exist, witnesses would be able to stay quiet and not answer any questions that they didn’t want to answer, which is a clear violation of the rules of the courtroom.
Examples
“Mrs. Kelley, where did you go on the day in question?”
(In this case, you would object if Mrs. Kelley does not respond to the question.)
“Mr. Fleming, how far away is your house from your parent’s house?”
(In this case, you would object if Mr. Fleming does not respond to the question.)
“Mrs. Sanders, what high school do you attend?”
(In this case, you would object if Mrs. Sanders does not respond to the question.)
Federal and Georgia Mock Trial Rule of Evidence
Article VI.
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