Legal & Courtroom Procedures Flashcards

When a witness invokes the Fifth Amendment during a deposition, what must the court reporter do?

Answer: Record the invocation verbatim in the transcript

The reporter must transcribe the witness's Fifth Amendment invocation verbatim just like any other testimony.

A 'motion in limine' is filed to:

Answer: Exclude certain evidence or testimony before it is presented at trial

A motion in limine asks the court to prohibit specific evidence or arguments from being presented to the jury.

During voir dire, jurors are questioned primarily to:

Answer: Determine potential bias and select an impartial jury

Voir dire is the jury selection process used to identify and remove potentially biased jurors.

What does the term 'sidebar' refer to in courtroom proceedings?

Answer: A private conference between the judge and attorneys at the bench

A sidebar is an off-the-record (unless the reporter is invited) conference held at the bench away from the jury.

Which document formally notifies a party that a lawsuit has been filed against them?

Answer: Summons and complaint

A summons and complaint together serve as the initial notice to a defendant that a civil action has commenced.

In a criminal trial, 'beyond a reasonable doubt' is the burden of proof required for:

Answer: The prosecution to secure a conviction

The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases.

When a court reporter marks an exhibit, what information is typically noted on the exhibit sticker?

Answer: The exhibit number or letter, case name, and date marked

Exhibit stickers typically include an identifying number or letter, the case name, and the date it was marked for the record.