Courtroom Scripts

“Your Honor, this is a request for [relief] because [key facts]. I will be brief. The evidence will show [1–2 anchors]. I’m asking the Court to [specific order].”

“The issues today are narrow: [Issue 1] and [Issue 2]. I’ll address each with exhibits and brief testimony.”

“Your Honor, I offer Exhibit A, a [document] dated [date]. I obtained it from [source]. It is a fair and accurate copy.”

“This photograph/video fairly and accurately depicts [scene] as of [date/time]. I took it / It was provided by [name].”

“This is a business record kept in the ordinary course by [entity]. It was made at or near the time by someone with knowledge.”

“For the record, I object on [rule/ground]. If overruled, I respectfully proffer that my testimony/exhibit would show [brief offer of proof].”

• “Please state your name and relation to this case.”
• “On [date], what did you personally observe?”
• “I’m showing you Exhibit A; do you recognize it? What is it? How do you recognize it?”
• “Is Exhibit A a fair and accurate copy?”

• “Your testimony today relies on what someone else told you, correct?”
• “You didn’t see [event] yourself?”
• “There’s nothing in your notes about [fact], is there?”
• “Yes or no: the policy requires [requirement], right?”

“On [date], you wrote [quote] in [record], correct? That is different from what you just told the Court, isn’t it?”

“For these reasons—[fact 1], [fact 2], and [law/rule]—I ask the Court to grant [relief].”

“Your Honor, if the Court is inclined to grant the request, I ask that the order include: [specific findings] and [clear directives and dates].”

“Your Honor, I request a brief continuance for good cause: [reason]. I have