ENTERING EXHIBITS
Rule 6.7 Exhibits
Exhibits can be admitted into evidence only when a sequence of proper procedural steps has been followed. These steps are part of a litany that should be smoothly and efficiently demonstrated by the attorney for each exhibit admitted. All evidence is pre-marked as exhibits.
Rule 6.7.1 Steps for Exhibit Admission
The following are only offered as examples.
a. Show the exhibit to opposing counsel or offer them a copy of the exhibit.
“Your Honor, let the record reflect that I am showing opposing counsel a copy of Exhibit A.”
b. Obtain permission of the presiding judge to approach the witness.
“Your honor, may I approach the witness?”
c. Show the exhibit to the witness.
“Your Honor, let the record reflect I am showing the witness a copy of Exhibit A.”
d. Lay the proper foundation for the exhibit. Ask the witness a few questions about the document to
demonstrate its relevance and that the witness has sufficient personal knowledge about the exhibit.
For example, the attorney should establish the following:
• what type of document it is:
“Would you please identify the document that I have handed you?”
• the witness’s knowledge about the document:
“Is that your signature on the letter?”
“Have you seen this document before? Where?”
• the relevance of the document to the witness’s testimony and the court proceedings in general:
“Is this the written contract in dispute in this litigation?”
“Is this something you used for the basis of your expert opinion?”
e. Move for admission of the exhibit into evidence.
"Your Honor, at this time I move for the admission of Exhibit A.”
f. Obtain permission of the presiding judge to publish the exhibit to the jury.
“Your Honor, permission to publish Exhibit A to the jury?”
g. Publish the exhibit.
Rule 6.7 Exhibits
Exhibits can be admitted into evidence only when a sequence of proper procedural steps has been followed. These steps are part of a litany that should be smoothly and efficiently demonstrated by the attorney for each exhibit admitted. All evidence is pre-marked as exhibits.
Rule 6.7.1 Steps for Exhibit Admission
The following are only offered as examples.
a. Show the exhibit to opposing counsel or offer them a copy of the exhibit.
“Your Honor, let the record reflect that I am showing opposing counsel a copy of Exhibit A.”
b. Obtain permission of the presiding judge to approach the witness.
“Your honor, may I approach the witness?”
c. Show the exhibit to the witness.
“Your Honor, let the record reflect I am showing the witness a copy of Exhibit A.”
d. Lay the proper foundation for the exhibit. Ask the witness a few questions about the document to
demonstrate its relevance and that the witness has sufficient personal knowledge about the exhibit.
For example, the attorney should establish the following:
• what type of document it is:
“Would you please identify the document that I have handed you?”
• the witness’s knowledge about the document:
“Is that your signature on the letter?”
“Have you seen this document before? Where?”
• the relevance of the document to the witness’s testimony and the court proceedings in general:
“Is this the written contract in dispute in this litigation?”
“Is this something you used for the basis of your expert opinion?”
e. Move for admission of the exhibit into evidence.
"Your Honor, at this time I move for the admission of Exhibit A.”
f. Obtain permission of the presiding judge to publish the exhibit to the jury.
“Your Honor, permission to publish Exhibit A to the jury?”
g. Publish the exhibit.