JewelryMart: Extracting the Pearl from the Oyster
(Note: This is one of a series of technical blogs about my recent experience on the jury of the 7-week trial for the 2013 “Jewelry Mart” murders in San Francisco. I will try to minimize unnecessary graphical descriptions.)
On day three, I was still getting accustomed to the conversational style of witness examination. Although it may have its merits, I have not yet tried to apply it in business meetings.
When you picked up the salt and pepper, did you…
— Objection! No proper foundation.
— Judge: Sustained. The jury will disregard the question.
Did you pick up the salt and pepper?
— Objection! Compound question
— Judge: Sustained.
Did you pick up the salt?
— Objection! Leading the witness
— Judge: Sustained.
What did you do with the salt?
— Objection! Assumes facts not in evidence
— Judge: Sustained.
Was there salt?
— Objection! Leading the witness
— Judge: Sustained.
What was there?
— There was salt and pepper.
What did you do with the salt?
— I picked it up.
— Court reporter: Was that “up” or “uck” ?
— “Up.”
— Thank you.
What did you do with the pepper?
— I picked it up.
So you picked up the salt and pepper?
— Objection! Asked and answered
— Judge: Sustained
When you picked up the salt and pepper, did you…
— Judge: It’s twelve o’clock, I think this would be a good time for our lunch break.
