Hearsay: A Sword and a Shield!

The hearsay rule can tie up practitioners in the heat of trial. There’s a general rule of exclusions but so many exceptions seem to swallow the rule. In this workshop, attendees will learn a proven method to both—within seconds (1) use the hearsay rule as a shield—spot objectionable hearsay (i.e., hearsay that is worth objecting to) to preclude unwanted evidence from getting admitted; and (2) use the rule (and its exceptions) as a sword—navigate around hearsay objections to get needed evidence admitted. Attendees will work through hypothetical trial situations, real case examples, wherein they will hone the skill of quickly spotting and responding to hearsay scenarios.