RMR Legal Terminology & Proceedings 2

Question 1

What is a 'motion in limine' and when does it occur?

Accepted Answer

A pretrial motion to exclude certain evidence or testimony before the jury hears it

Answer

A motion in limine (Latin: 'at the threshold') is made before or during trial to prevent specific evidence from being presented to the jury. Reporters may transcribe arguments on these motions outside the jury's presence.

Question 2

What is 'impeachment' of a witness?

Accepted Answer

Challenging a witness's credibility through prior inconsistent statements, bias, or other means

Answer

In trial proceedings, impeachment means attacking a witness's credibility, often by showing prior inconsistent statements, demonstrating bias, or questioning their ability to perceive events accurately.

Question 3

What is a 'proffer' of evidence?

Accepted Answer

An offer of proof made outside the jury's presence to preserve the record when evidence has been excluded

Answer

A proffer allows attorneys to present excluded evidence on the record outside the jury's hearing, preserving the issue for potential appeal. Reporters must accurately capture proffers as part of the complete record.

Question 4

What is a 'charging conference' in a jury trial?

Accepted Answer

A meeting where attorneys and the judge discuss and finalize the jury instructions before they are read to the jury

Answer

The charging conference is where the judge and attorneys agree on the specific legal instructions to be given to the jury. Reporters must capture this conference as it can be critical for appeals.

Question 5

What does 'objection on the grounds of hearsay' mean?

Accepted Answer

An objection that testimony repeats an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of what was said

Answer

Hearsay objections challenge testimony that repeats what someone else said outside of court, offered to prove that what they said is true. There are numerous exceptions to the hearsay rule.

RMR - Registered Merit Reporter Practice Test

RMR - Registered Merit Reporter Practice Test

RMR Legal Terminology & Proceedings 2