Since the initial publication in 2003 of the trial practice guide California Objections (Ward & Byrne, James Publishing), I have had the responsibility of updating and revising the book on an annual basis. While an annual update on the law is good, new decisions, statutes or rules of court will often significantly affect trial procedures or the rules of evidence, and in this blog I will address these changes on a more timely basis. Consider it an early warning system for trial pitfalls.
Unlike most practice guides, California Objections is intended for use as a quick reference for any evidentiary or procedural issue that may come up during trial. Lawyers will have it in their briefcase to quickly locate the authority for the position they are advocating. Judges will have it on the bench to rule on a motion or objection without the need to retire to chambers. The scope of this blog will be at least as broad as that of the book, which covers trial work from in limine motions through the return of a verdict. In addition, other subjects of interest to trial lawyers and judges will be discussed, such as settlements, arbitration, plea bargains and search and seizure. Regular readers and contributors should find themselves better prepared to make the right argument or reach the right decision at their next trial.
