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

A type of expert witness testimony

Answer

The judge's opening remarks to the jury

Answer

The defendant's final statement before sentencing

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

A conversation between attorneys in the hallway

Answer

A break in the proceedings

Answer

An informal chat between witnesses

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 penalty imposed by the judge

Answer

A request for a mistrial

Answer

An objection to evidence

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

They are the same type of questioning

Answer

Direct uses leading questions; cross uses open-ended questions

Answer

Direct is for expert witnesses; cross is for fact witnesses

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The judge agrees with the objection and the question must be rephrased or withdrawn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

The judge disagrees with the objection

Answer

The judge is unsure and needs more argument

Answer

The witness may answer the question

Question 6

What is an 'exhibit' in court proceedings?

Accepted Answer

A physical item, document, or other evidence formally presented and admitted into the court record

Answer

The jury's seating arrangement

Answer

The courtroom layout diagram

Answer

The judge's written opinion