ALP Civil Litigation & Trial Support 3

Question 1

What is 'voir dire' in a jury trial?

Accepted Answer

The process of questioning and selecting prospective jurors before trial

Answer

The formal reading of allegations at the start of trial

Answer

The closing arguments delivered by counsel at the end of trial

Answer

The judge's final instructions to the jury before deliberations

Question 2

What is a 'motion in limine' in civil trial practice?

Accepted Answer

A pre-trial motion asking the court to rule on the admissibility of certain evidence before trial

Answer

A post-trial motion challenging the sufficiency of the jury's verdict

Answer

A motion filed at the start of trial to limit the length of witness testimony

Answer

A motion to extend the deadline for filing a notice of appeal

Question 3

What is 'cross-examination' at trial?

Accepted Answer

Questioning of a witness by the opposing party's attorney following direct examination

Answer

Examination of a witness by the attorney who called that witness to testify

Answer

The judge's questioning of a witness deemed hostile to both parties

Answer

A deposition conducted in the presence of a foreign-language interpreter

Question 4

What is a 'judgment as a matter of law' (formerly called a directed verdict)?

Accepted Answer

A court ruling that the evidence is legally insufficient for a reasonable jury to find for the opposing party

Answer

A verdict reached by a jury after unusually extended deliberations

Answer

A verdict that is automatically subject to mandatory appellate review

Answer

A judge's instruction directing the jury to return a specific verdict

Question 5

What is a 'motion for a new trial' in civil litigation?

Accepted Answer

A post-trial motion requesting the court to vacate the judgment and conduct a new trial

Answer

A motion filed before trial to reassign the case to a different judge

Answer

A motion to transfer the case for retrial in a different jurisdiction

Answer

A request to extend the trial period to allow additional witness testimony

Question 6

What distinguishes 'direct examination' from 'cross-examination' at trial?

Accepted Answer

Direct examination is conducted by the attorney who called the witness; cross-examination is conducted by opposing counsel

Answer

Direct examination uses leading questions; cross-examination uses open-ended questions

Answer

Direct examination occurs after cross-examination in the order of proceedings

Answer

Direct examination is limited to five questions while cross-examination is unlimited

Question 7

What is the primary role of a legal professional in supporting civil trial preparation?

Accepted Answer

Assisting supervising attorneys by organizing case files, managing exhibits, and coordinating witnesses

Answer

Representing the client independently in court without attorney supervision

Answer

Independently negotiating and executing settlement agreements on behalf of clients

Answer

Making binding legal arguments before the court on procedural motions