Legal Definitions - specific objection

A specific objection is a formal challenge made in a legal proceeding, such as a trial, where a lawyer clearly states the exact legal reason why a question, a piece of evidence, or a statement should not be allowed. Instead of simply saying "Objection" without further explanation, the lawyer must articulate the precise legal rule or principle being violated. This helps the judge understand the issue, allows the opposing lawyer to potentially correct the problem, and ensures the matter is properly recorded for a possible appeal.

• Example 1: Witness Testimony (Hearsay)

  During a trial, a lawyer asks a witness, "What did your neighbor tell you about the accident?" The opposing lawyer immediately stands up and says, "Objection, Your Honor, hearsay."

  This is a specific objection because the lawyer isn't just generally protesting; they are precisely identifying "hearsay" as the legal reason why the neighbor's out-of-court statement should not be admitted. Hearsay rules generally prevent a witness from testifying about what someone else said outside of court to prove the truth of that statement.

• Example 2: Introduction of Evidence (Lack of Foundation)

  A prosecutor attempts to introduce a blurry photograph into evidence, claiming it shows the defendant at the crime scene, without first having a witness testify about when and where the photo was taken or how it relates to the case. The defense attorney states, "Objection, Your Honor, lack of foundation."

  By stating "lack of foundation," the defense attorney is specifically pointing out that the prosecutor has not yet provided the necessary preliminary evidence to show that the photograph is authentic and relevant to the case. This specific objection tells the judge exactly why the evidence shouldn't be admitted at that moment.

• Example 3: Questioning Technique (Leading Question)

  A lawyer is questioning their own witness and asks, "You saw the red car run the stop sign, didn't you?" The opposing counsel objects, "Objection, Your Honor, leading question."

  This is a specific objection because the lawyer identifies "leading question" as the precise problem. A leading question suggests the desired answer to the witness, which is generally not allowed when questioning one's own witness because it can improperly influence their testimony. The objection clearly articulates the procedural rule being violated.