Cross-X: How quickly do you go to the admonish? Forum

[Revamped]

Trial competition question:

I've gotten an array of opinions from professors regarding how fast I should go to the judge during cross examination of a weaselly witness who won't answer simple yes/no Qs.

Competition judged by attorneys.

[Revamped]

I think I might be in the wrong forum section by mistake. Can a mod move me? I'd appreciate it.

[Mount Elbrus]

I never did a mock competition, but I have done a number of trials, both bench and with panels. What are you trying to get out of this witness? You can go on the offensive pretty early on and typically control a witness. What I will typically do if someone answers in the way you are describing is follow up with "That's a yes, then" or "That's a no, then" You should be leading the hell out of witnesses on cross exam and they should only be giving yes/no answers.

Don't rely on the judge to do your job. Unless the witness is flat out refusing to answer the question, you should be able to control him/her.