ICEB Checklist of Objections

Oct 13, 2026

ICEB Checklist of Objections compiles California trial evidentiary objection standards across question form, competence to testify, expert issues, admissibility of offered evidence, and misconduct categories. It summarizes common objection grounds tied to specific Evidence Code, Penal Code, Code of Civil Procedure, and constitutional provisions, plus chapter cross-references to California Trial Objections. The checklist supports quick identification of ambiguity, improper opinion, hearsay, relevance, and improper impeachment/rehabilitation, alongside objections to misconduct and privilege-related confidentiality.

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CategoryForms

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Reading Time1 min

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Objections to Form of Questions

Objections to Competence to Testify

Objections Concerning Experts

Objections to Offered Evidence

Objections to Misconduct

# ICEB Checklist of Objections Keep up with CEB news,tips,andreleases on our blog,Facebook,Linkedln,Twitter,and YouTube! Objections to Form of Questions | Ambiguous or unintelligible
Evid C S765(a);chap 7. | | --- | | Evid C S765(a);chap 14.
Argumentative | | Assumes fact not in evidence Evid CS§210,765(a);chap 15. | | Evid C S765(a);chap 10.
Calls for narrative answer | | Evid CSS702,800(matter not in
Calls for speculation
witness's personal knowledge),
801(question calls fo improper
opinion);chap 16. | | Evid CS765(a);chap 8.
Compound | | Evid C §765(a);chap 11.
Has been asked and
answered | | Evid C §767;chap 13.
Leading | | EvidC §765(a);chap 12.
Misquotes a witness | | Evid C§765(a);chap 9.
Too general | | People v Vang(2011)52 C4th
Improper hypothetical
1038;chap 20.
question | Chapter cross-references are to California Trial Objections Objections to Competence to Testify | Evid CS701(a)(1);chap 18.
Cannot be understood | | --- | | Evid CS701(a)(2);chap 18.
Does not understand duty
to tell truth | | Evid CSS702,800;chap 18.
No personal knowledge | | Juror cannot give subjective Evid C§1150;chap 18.
evidence impeaching verdict | | Evid C §740(b);chap 18.
Juror at this trial | | Evid CS703;chap 18.
Judge at this trial | Objections Concerning Experts | Evid C §801(a);chap 20.
Information will not help
trier of fact | People v Leahy(1994)8 C4th
Use of new scientific
587;chap 20.
technique that does not
satisfy Kelly test | | --- | --- | | Evid C§§720,801;chap 20.
Insufficient foundation to
qualify as expert | | | | Evid C §801(b);chap 20.
Witness is basing opinion
on material that may not
reasonably be relied on | | Evid C §802;chap 20.
Should give basis of opinion
before stating opinion | | | | Evid C§801(a);Summers vA.
Improper legal opinion
L.Gilbert(1999)69 CA4th 1155;
chap 20 | | Evid C §801(a);chap 20.
Subject matter not beyond
experience of ordinary
witness | | | | Evid C §801(b);People v Sanchez
Improper hearsay
(2016)63 C4th 665;chap 20. | Objections to Offered Evidence | Evid C §1119;chap 32.
Communications made
"for the purpose of,in the
course of,or pursuant to”
a mediation | Evid C S782;chap 22.
Improper evidence of prior
sexual conduct in rape case | | --- | --- | | | Improper impeachment
Evid C§352,780,785,789,
1101-1103;chap 22. | | Evid CS§761,773;chap 26.
Cross-examination exceeds
scope of direct examination | | | | Evid CSS780,785,789-791;
Improper rehabilitation
chap 23. | | Evid C §352;chap 31.
Cumulative evidence | | | | Evid C S§800,802-803;chap 20.
Inadmissible opinion of lay
witness | | Evid C§1151;chap 32.
Evidence of subsequent
repairs or subsequent
remedial conduct | | | | CCP§1856;chap 25.
Inadmissible parol evidence | | Evidence that party has
Evid C§1155;chap 32.
liability insurance | Evid C S⁴03 or §405;chap 21.
Insufficient foundation | | | Evid C§§210,350-351;chap 17.
Irrelevant evidence | | Hearsay
Evid C§1200;chap 19. | Evid C§1152;chap 32.
Party's offer to compromise,
or admissions made during
compromise negotiations | | Illegally obtained evidence
US Const amends IV,XIV;
Cal Const art I,§13(objection
normally must be made before
trial);chap 28. | | | | Evid C§1401;chap 21.
Writing not(properly)
authenticated | ◎1996,1997,1998,1999,2000,2004,2006,2007,2012,2014,2015,2018,2020 by The Regents of the University of California CP-72552 Objections to Misconduct | Misconduct of counsel: | | --- | | Object to specific acts as
Cite specific grounds and
authority,e.g.,failure to provid

FAQs

What grounds are listed for objections to the form of questions?

The checklist includes grounds such as ambiguity, argumentative questions, calling for narrative answers, speculation, improper opinion, compound/leading questions, and questions that are too general.

How does the checklist address competence to testify objections?

It lists objections related to inability to understand the duty to tell truth, lack of personal knowledge, and juror-related evidence impeaching a verdict, with cross-references to the relevant Evidence Code sections.

What does the document cover under objections to misconduct?

It provides misconduct categories for counsel, judge, and juror, including requesting curative admonition, moving for mistrial when prejudice makes a fair trial impossible, and objecting to judge misconduct as error.

Oct 13, 2026

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