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Simple English definitions for legal terms

lay a foundation

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A quick definition of lay a foundation:

Definition: Laying a foundation is the process of proving to a judge that evidence is real and trustworthy before it can be shown to a jury. This is important because evidence that doesn't have a proper foundation can't be used in court. The person who wants to use the evidence has to show that it's real and important. Sometimes this is easy, like when someone saw something happen and can tell the court about it. Other times, it's harder, like when a scientist has to explain why their research is important. Even if evidence has a good foundation, it might still not be allowed in court if it's not helpful or fair to both sides.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Lay a foundation is the process of proving to a judge that the evidence being presented is what the person offering it claims it is. Before evidence can be presented to a jury, it must have a proper foundation. The person offering the evidence is responsible for laying the foundation, and if they fail to do so, the judge will exclude the evidence. Laying a foundation can be as simple as an eyewitness stating that they saw something happen and are qualified to testify about it. Other examples include showing that an expert witness is knowledgeable in their field or authenticating physical evidence. However, even if a proper foundation is laid, the evidence may still be excluded if it is irrelevant, hearsay, or could unfairly influence the jury.

Example: During a trial, a witness is called to testify about a car accident they witnessed. Before they can testify, the lawyer must lay a foundation by asking the witness questions to establish their qualifications to testify. The lawyer might ask the witness if they were present at the scene of the accident, if they saw what happened, and if they have any expertise that would make their testimony more reliable. Once the foundation is laid, the witness can testify about what they saw.

Example: In a criminal trial, the prosecution wants to introduce a knife as evidence. Before they can do so, they must lay a foundation by showing that the knife is relevant to the case and that it is the same knife that was used in the crime. They might do this by having a witness testify that they found the knife at the scene of the crime and that it matches the description of the knife used in the crime. Once the foundation is laid, the knife can be introduced as evidence.

lawyer | lay witness

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0:24
@MrThickRopes: yeah bro after they launched the app I be buying err thang
MrThickRopes
0:58
same bruh
Mostlylegal
8:51
why wouldnt you just shut down the kfc?
MrThickRopes
9:08
Is we getting decisions dis morning?
only if you make it clap
Mostlylegal
9:24
fo pm @mrrickthopes
MrThickRopes
9:31
I staid up all nite waiting for dem decisions
MrThickRopes
9:31
Nd that’s legit
MrThickRopes
9:31
I ain’t slept
[] c0bra1
9:42
dats crazy
MrThickRopes
9:48
Naaaa
why is pitts seat deposit one thousand dollars.
9:49
I thin UMiami is like 2k
i guess they dont want unserious applicants using it as a backup (me)
9:49
ig ppl be backin out of attending pitt?
yup.
9:50
aint no 1 wanna be second fiddle
DefinitelyRobbingBanks
9:50
Miami is 2k? Big yikes
9:50
EVER
9:51
$1,500 my b
9:53
$1,000 man. No good spot with all the deposits in one place, some1 needs to make a list
Mostlylegal
9:54
yale seat deposit is one mcchicken
9:55
lmfao. what is ur record for mcchickens? I think I pounded 10 mcdoubles and 10 chickens once
[] c0bra1
9:59
i had 1 mcchicken in like 2012 and thats it
9:59
@c0bra1: wow what are you, a normal human being?
[] c0bra1
9:59
i like wendys better
[] c0bra1
9:59
im definitely not normal, dont worry
babycakes
10:06
Everyone always talks about billboard lawyers. Not enough love for side of the bus lawyers
10:07
yes. also, bench back rest lawyers are also neglected
DefinitelyRobbingBanks
10:16
Don't forget the ever venerable back of the bus lawyers with ads that are crusty from exhaust
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