How do I object to evidence?

Objecting to evidence in court in Washington requires a party to state the objection clearly, either before or during the presentation of evidence. To object, a party must state the legal basis for why it is being objected to. For example, if a party is objecting to a document or other evidence on the grounds that the evidence is irrelevant to the case, they must state that the evidence is “not relevant to the case at hand” when objecting. Further, each party must explain why it is important for the evidence to be excluded from the court record. This may include pointing out that the evidence is hearsay, or otherwise not admissible. The judge presiding over the case will then decide whether the objection is valid. If the objection is overruled, the evidence is admitted into the record and the jury may consider it in their deliberations. Finally, each party must also state the basis for their objection to the court clerk in what is known as a “proffer.” This is used to allow the judge to consider the objection later on. If a party fails to make a proffer, it may be difficult to later challenge the admission of the evidence in question. Objecting to evidence in court in Washington requires a party to be familiar with the rules of evidence and procedure in order to be successful.

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