RMR Legal Terminology & Proceedings

Question 1

What is a 'voir dire' examination in court proceedings?

Accepted Answer

The process of questioning prospective jurors to determine their suitability to serve on a jury

Answer

Voir dire (French for 'to speak the truth') is the pretrial process where attorneys and the judge question potential jurors about biases, experiences, and knowledge that might affect their ability to be impartial.

Question 2

What is a 'sidebar' conference and how should a reporter handle it?

Accepted Answer

A private discussion between attorneys and the judge at the bench; the reporter should note it and transcribe if audible or instructed to do so

Answer

Sidebar conferences are whispered discussions at the bench. Reporters should note when sidebars occur and, if instructed, use white noise machines or move closer to transcribe the confidential discussion.

Question 3

What is a 'stipulation' in legal proceedings?

Accepted Answer

An agreement between parties on a fact or procedure, eliminating the need to prove it at trial

Answer

A stipulation is a formal agreement between parties, usually on undisputed facts or procedural matters. Reporters must accurately capture stipulations as they become part of the official record.

Question 4

What is the difference between direct examination and cross-examination?

Accepted Answer

Direct is questioning by the attorney who called the witness; cross is questioning by the opposing attorney

Answer

Direct examination involves open-ended questions by the calling attorney to elicit testimony. Cross-examination uses leading questions by the opposing attorney to challenge or clarify the testimony.

Question 5

What does 'sustained' mean when a judge rules on an objection?

Accepted Answer

The judge agrees with the objection and the question must be rephrased or withdrawn

Answer

When a judge sustains an objection, the judge agrees that the question is improper. The witness should not answer, and the asking attorney must rephrase the question or move on.

RMR - Registered Merit Reporter Practice Test

RMR - Registered Merit Reporter Practice Test

RMR Legal Terminology & Proceedings