From the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office |1

From the Alameda County Public Defender’s office\

Objections Cheat Sheet

Generally
Objection Supporting Authority
Relevance Evidence Code §§ 210, 350

Unduly prejudicial: The “probative value” of Evidence Code § 352

the evidence is “substantially outweighed by
the probability that its admission will (a)
necessitate undue consumption of time or (b)
create substantial danger of undue prejudice,
of confusing the issues, or of misleading the
jury.”

Jury Selection
Asking the Juror to Prejudge the Evidence People v. Fowler (1918) 178 Cal. 657, 661

Indoctrinating on the Law or Facts C.C.P. § 222.5; Rousseau v. West Coast House Movers (1967) 256
Cal.App.2d 878, 882

Testing the Juror’s Knowledge of the Law C.C.P. 222.5.; People v. Love (1960) 53 Cal.2d 843, 852;

Misstating the Law Kelly v. Trans Globe Travel Bureau, Inc. (1976) 60 Cal.App.3d 195, 203-204

Question not related to any challenge for cause C.C.P. § 222.5; People v. Williams (1981) 29 Cal.3d 392, 407.

Opening Statement
Admissibility of Evidence
Asserted Facts are Unsupported by Evidence Smith v. Covell (1980) 100 Cal.App.3d 947, 958; Upham Co. v. United
States Fid. & Guar. (1922) 59 Cal.App. 606, 610

Fact Stated Will Not Be Proven Hawk v. Superior Court (1974) 42 Cal.App.3d 108, 121; California Practice
Guide: Civil Trials & Evidence, Chap. 6-C 6:44 (2006)

Injecting Inadmissible Material Hawk v. Superior Court (1974) 42 Cal.App. 3d 108, 118.
California Practice Guide: Civil Trials & Evidence, Chap. 6-C 6:43
(2006)

Violation of Motions in Limine Hawk v. Superior Court (1974) 42 Cal.App. 3d 108, 118

Mentioning Settlement Discussions Evidence Code § 1152

Referring to the Liability of Others Evidence Code § 350; Neumann v. Bishop (1976) 59 Cal.App.3d 451, 476.

Mentioning Wealth or Poverty of Party Evidence Code § 350; Brokopp v. Ford Motor Co. (1977) 71 Cal.App.3d
841, 860.

Misconduct - Generally Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200; People v. Bolton (1979) 23 Cal.3d 208,
214.
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Improper Form
Addressing Juror by Name People v. Freeman (1994) 8 Cal. 4th 450, 517-518; Neumann v. Bishop (1976)
59 Cal.App.3d 451, 474-475; 75A American Jurisprudence 2d Trial § 565

Arguing the Case Williams v. Goodman (1963) 214 Cal.App.2d 856, 869; California Practice
Guide: Civil Trials & Evidence, Chap. 6-A 6:20, 6-C 6:60-61; Love v. Wolf
(1964) 226 Cal.App.2d 378, 392

Instructing Jurors on the Law Williams v. Goodman (1963) 214 Cal.App.2d 856, 869; California Practice
Guide: Civil Trials & Evidence, Chap. 6-C 6:63 (2006)

Misstatement of Evidence California Practice Guide: Civil Trials & Evidence, Chap. 6-C 6:58-59
(2006)

Stating Personal Belief or Opinion Hawk v. Superior Court (1974) 42 Cal.App.3d 108, 119; California Practice
Guide: Civil Trials & Evidence, Chap. 6-C 6:68 (2006).

Protracted Opening Statement Bates v. Newman (1953) 121 Cal.App.2d 800, 809-810

Direct & Cross Examination

Competency of Witnesses
Expert Witness
Expert Unqualified Evidence Code § 720

Lay Witness
Incompetent Evidence Code § 701.

Inability to Express Self Evidence Code § 701(a)(1).

Inability to Understand Duty to Tell the Truth Evidence Code § 701(a)(2).

Personal Knowledge Lacking Evidence Code § 702.

Other Witnesses
Mediator Called as Witness Evidence Code § 703.5.

Judge Called as Witness Evidence Code § 703.

Juror Called as Witness Evidence Code § 704.

Form of the Question

Ambiguous/Misleading Evidence Code § 352; Evidence Code § 765.

Argumentative Evidence Code § 765.

Asked and Answered Evidence Code § 765.

Assumes Facts Not in Evidence People v. Heldenburg (1990) 219 Cal.App.3d 468, 472; 3 Witkin Evidence,
Chap., XI, § 172.

Beyond Scope of Direct Examination Evidence Code §§ 761, 773.

Beyond Scope of Cross-Examination Evidence Code § 763.

Beyond Scope of Redirect Examination Evidence Code § 763.

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Beyond Scope of Discovery C.C.P. § 2017 et seq.; Penal Code § 1054 et. seq.

Burdensome/Harassing/Insulting Evidence Code § 765.

Calls for Expert Opinion Evidence Code § 800.

Calls for Legal Conclusion Evidence Code § 310; Downer v. Bramet (1984) 152 Cal.App.3d 837;
McHugh v. United Service Auto Ass’n (9th Cir. 1999) 164 F.3d 451, 454.

Calls for Narrative Schuur v. Rodenback (1901) 133 Cal. 85, 89.

Calls for Speculation Evidence Code § 702.

Compound or Complex question Evidence Code § 765; Wiese v. Rainville (1959) 173 Cal.App.2d 496, 506.

Cumulative/Repetitive Evidence Code § 352.

Misusing Hypothetical Question Evidence Code § 801; People v. Gardeley (1996) 14 Cal. 4th 605; 31A Cal.
Jur. 3d Evidence §§ 599-600. [Conflict with other evidence in case] State
to Use of Solomon v. Fishel (Md. 1962) 228 Md. 189.

Hypothetical question does not contain all the Am. Towing & Lightering Co. of Balt. v. Baker-Whiteley Coal Co. (Md. 1912)
necessary facts 117 Md. 660.

Testimony & Exhibits

Credibility of Witnesses
Prior Consistent Testimony Evidence Code § 791.

Improper use of Witness’ Good Character Evidence Code § 790.

Improper reference to Religious Belief Evidence Code § 789.

Improper Rehabilitation Evidence Code § 790.

Specific instances of misconduct to prove Evidence Code §§ 787, 1101.

character

Admissibility of Evidence
Improper Judicial Notice Evidence Code § 450

Rule of Completeness Evidence Code § 356

Limited Admissibility Evidence Code § 355

Insurance Inadmissible Evidence Code § 1155.

Privileged or Protected Information - Evidence Code § 952; Specific privileges are listed below
Generally

Settlement Discussions Disclosed Evidence Code § 1152

Inadmissible Mediation Communication Evidence Code §§ 1119 [Motion for New Hearing], 1128.

Inadmissible Offer to Compromise Evidence Code § 1152.

Subsequent Repairs/Remedial Conduct Evidence Code § 1151.

Inadmissible

Exhibits
Lack of Authentication Evidence Code § 1400.
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Best Evidence Rule; Oral testimony regarding Evidence Code § 412; repeated in criminal cases, see Evidence Code §
the content of a writing 1523.

Lack of Foundation Evidence Code § 403.

Rule of Completeness Evidence Code § 356.

Witness Testimony
Collateral Matter Evidence Code § 352.

Conclusion Improperly Elicited Evinger v. MacDougall (1938) 28 Cal.App.2d 175.

Cumulative/Repetitive Evidence Code § 352.

Foundation Defective Evidence Code § 403.

Hearsay Evidence Code § 1200 et. seq.

Irrelevant. Evidence Code § 350

Narrative Answer Schuur v. Rodenback (1901) 133 Cal. 85, 89.

Non-Responsive Answer Evidence Code § 766.

Opinion Based on Improper Matter Evidence Code § 803.

Prejudicial or Inflammatory Evidence Code § 352.

Beyond the Scope of Direct [or Cross] Evidence Code §§ 761, 773.

Speculation Evidence Code § 702.

Wealth or Poverty of Party Injected Evidence Code § 350; Brokopp v. Ford Motor Co. (1977) 71 Cal.App.3d 841,
860

Improper Impeachment Foreming v. Stockton Elec. R. Co. (1915) 171 Cal. 401, 408; 3 Witkin
Evidence 4th Chap. XI § 328.

Privileges
Attorney-Client Evidence Code § 954.

Clergy-Penitent Evidence Code § 1033, 1034.

Defendant in Criminal Case Evidence Code § 930.

Identity of Informer Evidence Code § 1041.

Journalist’s Immunity Evidence Code § 1070.

Marital Communications Evidence Code § 980.

Privilege Not to Testify Against Spouse Evidence Code § 970.

Official Information Evidence Code § 1040.

Physician-Patient Evidence Code § 994.

Psychotherapist-Patient Evidence Code § 1014.

Self-Incrimination Evidence Code § 940.

Trade Secrets Evidence Code § 1060.

Voter Information Evidence Code § 1050.

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Work Product C.C.P. § 2018 et seq.

Closing Argument
Admissibility of Evidence
Excluded Matter Mentioned Hawk v. Superior Court (1974) 42 Cal.App. 3d 108, 118; California Practice
Guide: Civil Trial & Evidence, Chap. 6-C 6:43 (2006)

Improperly mentioning Insurance Evidence Code § 1155.

Disclosing Settlement Discussions

Disclosing Inadmissible Mediation Evidence Code § 1119

Communications

Disclosing Inadmissible Offer to Compromise Evidence Code § 1152.

Discussing Wealth or Poverty of a Party Evidence Code § 350; Brokopp v. Ford Motor Co. (1977) 71 Cal.App.3d 841,
860

Restricting the scope of closing argument People v. Beivelman (1968) 70 Cal.3d 73, 76-77; People v. Polite (1965) 236
Cal.App.2d 85, 93 [both sides have broad discretion to argue the merits of the
case]; People v. Travis (1954) 129 Cal.App.2d 29 ["The right of discussing the
merits of the cause, both as to the law and facts, is unabridged"]

Barring reference to outside sources People v. Guzman (1975) 47 Cal.App.3d 380, 392 [newspaper and magazine
articles]; People v. Travis (1954) 129 Cal.App.2d 29, 37 [Time magazine and a
court opinion]; People v. Woodson (1964) 231 Cal.App.2d 10, 15 [newspaper
article]; but see People v. Williamson (1977) 71 Cal.App.3d 206, 216-217
[counsel not permitted to read Scientific American article on eyewitness
identification]

Improper Form
Addressing Jurors by Name People v. Freeman (1994) 8 Cal. 4th 450, 517-518; 75A American
Jurisprudence 2d Trial § 565;Neumann v. Bishop (1976) 63 Cal.2d 141, 144.

Attacking Counsel, Party, or a Witness People v. Chong (2000) 76 Cal.App.4th 232, 244; Tingley v. Times Mirror Co.
(1907) 151 Cal. 1, 20.

Misstating the Evidence California Practice Guide to Personal Injury, Chap. 9-F, 9:325; Rules of
Prof. Conduct, Rules 5-200, 5-220.

Instructing Jurors on the Law People v. Calpito (1970) 9 Cal.App.3d 212, 222; Regus v. Gladstone Holmes,
Inc. (1962) 207 Cal.App.2d 872, 858; California Civil Courtroom
Handbook & Desktop Reference, § 37:9 (2006).

Stressing Irrelevant Facts or Issues Evidence Code § 352; 88 Corpus Juris Secundum: Trial § 263;Loya v. Fong
(Arizona 1965) 1 Ariz.App. 482.

Misstating the Law Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(A); Gotcher v. Metcalf (1970) 6
Cal.App.3d 96, 100; People v. Sudduth (1966) 65 Cal.2d 543; California
Civil Courtroom Handbook & Desktop Reference, § 37:9 (2006)

Asserting Personal Belief re the evidence or Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(E); see below
credibility of witnesses [Vouching]

Prejudicial or Inflammatory Statements Taylor v. Aetna Life Ins. Co. (1933) 132 Cal.App. 434, 439; Stone v. Foster
(1980) 106 Cal.App.3d 334, 355; Las Palmas Associates v. Las Palmas Center
Associates (1991) 235 Cal.App.3d 1220, 1247.
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Conduct of the Parties

Conduct of Witness
Argumentative Answers 31A Cal. Jur. 3d Evidence § 703

Communicating with a Juror California Civil Courtroom Handbook & Desktop Reference, § 32:36
(2006); California Judges Benchbook: Civ. Proceedings Before Trial.
(CJER 1995), §§ 8.47-8.48.

Fee Contingent on Answers Pelkey v. Hodge (1931) 112 Cal.App. 424.

Narrative Answers Schuur v. Rodenback (1901) 133 Cal. 85, 89.

Prejudicial or Inflammatory Statements. 66 Corpus Juris Secundum, New Trial § 29

Refusal to Answer Precise Question C.C.P. § 2064.

Un-responsive Answer C.C.P. § 2064.

Motion to Strike - Generally Seidenberg v. George (1946) 76 Cal.App.2d 306.

Conduct of Counsel – In General

Lapse of Candor or Fairness Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(A).

Communication with a Juror Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-320; Hasson v. Ford Motor Co. (1982) 32
Cal. 3d 388, 416.

Currying Jury Favor Augustus v. Shaffer (1959) 171 Cal.App.2d 160, 167

Cutting Off Witness’s Answers Estate of Dupont (1943) 60 Cal.App.2d 276, 289.

Displaying inadmissible Evidence to Jury Cote v. Rogers (1962) 201 Cal.App.2d 138, 142-145; People v. Hernandez
(1977) 70 Cal.App.3d 271, 281.

Disparaging of Counsel, Party, or Witness People v. Chong (2000) 76 Cal.App.4th 232, 244; Tingley v. Times Mirror Co.
(1907) 151 Cal. 1, 20.

Harassing or Insulting Questions Evidence Code § 765.

Asserting facts that were not provable or Shaff v. Baldwin (1951) 107 Cal.App.2d 81, 86; Love v. Wolf (1964) 226
proven Cal.App.2d 378, 390

Failure to follow court instructions People v. Chojnacky (1973) 8 Cal.3d 759, 766; Hernandez v. Paicius (2003)
109 Cal.App.4th 452, 463-468

Habitual or Intentional Violation of Court’s People v. Chojnacky (1973) 8 Cal.3d 759, 766; C.C.P. § 1209
Rules

Inadmissible Matter Sought or Stated Shaff v. Baldwin (1951) 107 Cal.App.2d 81, 86; Love v. Wolf (1964) 226
Cal.App.2d 378, 390.

Mentioning Insurance Hatfield v. Levy Bros. (1941) 18 Cal.2d 798.

Misquoting Testimony or Evidence Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rules 5-200, 5-220; Cal. Practice Guide on
Personal Injury, Chap. 9-F, 9:325;

Objecting for Improper Purposes Continental Dairy Equip. Co. v. Lawrence (1971) 17 Cal.App.3d 378, 384.

Stating a personal belief in the merits of the Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(E)
case or the credibility of a witness

Raising Prejudicial or Inflammatory Matters Taylor v. Aetna Life Ins. Co. (1933) 132 Cal.App. 434, 439; Stone v. Foster
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(1980) 106 Cal.App.3d 334, 355; Las Palmas Associates v. Las Palmas center
Associates (1991) 235 Cal.App.3d 1220, 1247.

Publicity Violations Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-120.

Self-Serving Speaking Objections Continental Dairy Equip. Co. v. Lawrence (1971) 17 Cal.App.3d 378, 384.

Subornation of Perjury Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(A).

Suppression of Evidence Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-220.

Testimony by Counsel Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(E).

Prosecutorial Error
Lapse in Candor or Fairness Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(A).

Failure/refusal to follow court instructions People v. Chojnacky (1973) 8 Cal.3d 759, 766; Hernandez v. Paicius (2003)
109 Cal.App.4th 452, 463-468

Misstatements of the Law [note that while the People v. Sudduth (1966) 65 Cal.2d 543, 547-548; Beard v. Bryan (1966) 244
court must correct all misstatements, it’s Cal.App.2d 836, 842; People v. Pineiro (1982) 129 Cal.App.3d 915; People v.
misconduct only if in bad faith] Meneley (1972) 29 Cal.App.3d 41; People v. Calpito (1970) 9 Cal.App.3d
212, 222 [and cases cited therein]

Misquoting Testimony or Evidence Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rules 5-200, 5-220; Cal. Practice Guide on
Personal Injury, Chap. 9-F, 9:325;

Vouching for a Witness People v. Talle (1952) 111 Cal.App.2d 650, 673; People v. Prysock (1982) 127
Cal.App.3d 972; People v. Adcox (1988) 47 Cal.3d 207; People v. Hidalgo
(1947) 78 Cal.App.2d 926, 936; People v. Anderson (1990) 52 Cal.3d 453,
478- 479; Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(E)

Referring to matters not in evidence People v. Kirkes (1952) 32 Cal.2d 719, 724; People v. Hill (1998) 17 Cal.4th
800, 828; People v. Perry (1972) 7 Cal.3d 756, 790; People v. Perez (1962) 58
Cal.2d 229, 241; People v. Johnson (1968) 260 Cal. App.2d 343, 344; People
v. LoCigno (1961) 193 Cal. App.2d 360, 388; People v. Johnson (1981) 121
Cal.App.3d 94; People v. Hall (2000) 82 Cal.App.4th 813, 816 817; People v.
Dagget (1990) 225 Cal.App.3d 751; People v. Warren (1988) 45 Cal.3d 471,
481 482

Urging jurors to step into the victim’s shoes People v. Fields (1983) 35 Cal.3d 329, 362; People v. Pensinger (1991) 52
Cal.3d 1210, 1250; People v. Zurinaga (2007 148 Cal.App.4th 1248; People v.
Leonard (2007) 40 Cal.4th 1370, 1406; People v. Mendoza (2007) 42 Cal.4th
686

“Were they lying questions” United States v. Sanchez (9th Cir. 1999) 176 F.3d 1214; United States v.
Richter (2nd Cir. 1987) 826 F.2d 206, 208; Greenberg v. United States (1st Cir.
1960) 280 F.2d 472; United States v. Boyd (D.C. Cir. 1995) 54 F.3d 868, 871;
Compare People v. Chatman (2006) 38 Cal. 4th 344 [such questions are not
necessarily improper]

Objecting for Improper Purposes Continental Dairy Equip. Co. v. Lawrence (1971) 17 Cal.App.3d 378, 384.

Cutting Off Witness’s Answers Estate of Dupont (1943) 60 Cal.App.2d 276, 289.

Harassing or Insulting Questions Evidence Code § 765.

Displaying inadmissible or Un-admitted Cote v. Rogers (1962) 201 Cal.App.2d 138, 142-145; People v. Hernandez
Evidence to Jury (1977) 70 Cal.App.3d 271, 281.

Self-Serving Speaking Objections Continental Dairy Equip. Co. v. Lawrence (1971) 17 Cal.App.3d 378, 384.
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Inadmissible Matter Sought or Stated Shaff v. Baldwin (1951) 107 Cal.App.2d 81, 86; Love v. Wolf (1964) 226
Cal.App.2d 378, 390.

Griffin Error [commenting upon defendant’s Griffin v. California (1965) 380 U.S. 609; People v. Vargas (1973) 9 Cal.3d
decision not to testify] 470, 474; In Re Rodriquez (1981) 119 Cal.App.3d 457, 460; In re Dalton
(2002) 98 Cal.App.4th 958; People v. Medina (1995) 11 Cal.4th 694, 755-756;
People v. Morris (1988) 46 Cal.3d 1; People v. Frausto (1982) 135 Cal.App.3d
129; U.S. v. Robinson (1988) 488 U.S. 25

Doyle Error [commenting upon defendant’s Doyle v. Ohio (1976) 426 U.S. 610, 619; People v. Galloway (1979) 100
invocation of the right to remain silent] Cal.App.3d 551, 556; People v. Earp (1999) 20 Cal.4th 826, 864

Commenting upon the defendant's failure to People v. Conover (1966) 243 Cal.App.3d 38, 49; People v. Whitehead (1957)
produce evidence 148 Cal.App.2d 701; People v. Earp (1999) 20 Cal.4th 826, 864
People v. Gaulden (1974) 36 Cal.App.3d 942, 955

Commenting upon the defendant’s exercise of People v. Keener (1983) 148 Cal. App.3d 73; People v. Wood (2002) 103
Fourth Amendment rights Cal.App.4th 803; People v. Redmond (1981) 29 Cal.3d 904, 911

Biblical References People v. Sandoval (1992) 4 Cal.4th 155, 192-194; People v. Wrest (1992) 3
Cal.4th 1088, 1107; People v. Wash (1993) 6 Cal.4th 215, 258-260; People v.
Pitts (1990) 223 Cal.App.3d 606, 699-700

Raising Prejudicial or Inflammatory Matters Taylor v. Aetna Life Ins. Co. (1933) 132 Cal.App. 434, 439; Stone v. Foster
(1980) 106 Cal.App.3d 334, 355; Las Palmas Associates v. Las Palmas Center
Associates (1991) 235 Cal.App.3d 1220, 1247.

Denigrating defense counsel People v. O'Farrell (1958) 161 Cal.App.2d 13, 19; People v. Podwys (1935) 6
Cal.App.2d 71, 73; People v. Herring (1993) 20 Cal.App.4th 1066, 1077;
Bruno v. Rushen (9th Cir. 1983) 721 F.2d 1193; People v. Jones (1997) 15
Cal.4th 119, 167 168; People v. Chatman (2006) 38 Cal. 4th 344; People v.
Seaton (2001) 26 Cal.4th 598; People v. Bell (1989) 49 Cal.3d 502; People v.
Cummings (1993) 4 Cal.4th 1233, 1302, fn. 47; People v. Davis (1995) 10
Cal.4th 463, 539-540; People v. Hawthorne (1992) 4 Cal.4th 43; People v.
Chong (2000) 76 Cal.App.4th 232, 244; Tingley v. Times Mirror Co. (1907)
151 Cal. 1, 20.

Denigrating the defendant People v. Prysock (1982) 127 Cal.App.3d 972; People v. Boyette (2002) 29
Cal.4th 381; People v. Herring (1993) 20 Cal.App.4th 1066, 1074; People v.
Singh (1936) 20 Cal.App.2d 244, 255; People v. Patterson (1953) 118
Cal.App.2d 45, 48; People v. Patino (1979) 95 Cal.App.3d 11, 29 31

Communication with a Juror Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-320; Hasson v. Ford Motor Co. (1982) 32
Cal. 3d 388, 416.

Currying Jury Favor. Augustus v. Shaffer (1959) 171 Cal.App.2d 160, 167

Publicity Violations Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-120.

Subornation of Perjury Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(A).

Suppression of Evidence Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-220.

Testimony by Counsel Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 5-200(E).

Conduct of Judge
Mistakes or Misconduct - Generally Cal. Code of Judicial Ethics, Canon 3B(4); Lewis v. Bill Robertson & Sons,
Inc. (1984) 162 Cal.App.3d 650, 654.

Judicial Coercion - Generally Shippy v. Peninsula Rapid Transit Co. (1925) 197 Cal. 290, 295; Pratt v. Pratt
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(1903) 141 Cal. 247, 250

Independent Investigation People v. Handcock (1983) 145 Cal.App.3d Supp 25; Brown v. Lynaugh (5th
Cir. 1988) 843 F.2d 849, 851 [judge as witness]

Intimidation to induce Plea Bargain Ryan v. Commission on Judicial Performance (1988) 45 Cal. 3d 518, 543;
In re Lewallen (1979) 23 Cal. 3d 274, 278 281

Overzealous questioning of witnesses People v. Perkins (2003) 109 Cal.App.4th 1562; People v. Santana (2000) 80
Cal.App.4th 1194, 1206; People v. Rigney (1961) 55 Cal.2d 236; McCartney
v. Commission on Judicial Qualifications (1974) 12 Cal.3d 512, 533

Witness Coercion Webb v. Texas (1972) 409 U.S. 95

Gestures or Facial Expressions Cal. Code of Judicial Ethics, Canon 3B(4); Spruance v. Commission on
Judicial Performance (1975) 13 Cal.3d 778, 797; Allen v. State, 644 A.2d 982,
983, fn.1 (Del. 1994); Veteto v. State, 8 S.W.3d 805, 816 817 (Tex. App.
2000); People v. Franklin (1976) 56 Cal.App.3d 18

Interference with Presentation of Case Cal Judges Benchbook: Civ. Proceedings-Tr. § 5.98; People v. Perkins
(2003) 109 Cal.App.4th 1562, 1566-1567; See Geiler v. Commission on
Judicial Qualifications (1973) 10 Cal.3d 270, 286

Disparaging Counsel or a Party California Code of Judicial Ethics, Canon 3B(4); People v. Cole (1952)
113 Cal.App.2d 253, 261; .Meeks v. U.S. (9th Cir. 1947) 163 F.2d 598, 601;
Bursten v. U.S. (5th Cir. 1968) 395 F.2d 976, 983 ["Juries are highly
sensitive to every utterance by the trial judge, the trial arbiter, and ...
some comments may be so highly prejudicial that even a strong
admonition by the judge to the jury ... will not cure the error"]; People v.
Fatone (1985) 165 Cal.App.3d 1164, 1180 -1181; People v. Chong (1999) 76
Cal.App.4th 232; Fletcher v. Comm’n on Judicial Performance (1998) 19
Cal.4th 865, 905; Offutt v. United States (1954) 348 U.S. 11, 17; California
Practice Guide: Civil Trial. & Evidence, Chap. 12-A, 12:56. See Geiler v.
Commission on Judicial Qualifications (1973) 10 Cal.3d 270, 286

Disparaging a Witness or Testimony California Code of Judicial Ethics, Canon 3B(4); People v. Terry (1970) 2
Cal. 3d 362, 298; People v. Harris (2003) 37 Cal.4th 310, 347; People v.
Mahoney (1927) 201 Cal. 618, 627; Fletcher v. Comm’n on Judicial
Performance (1998) 19 Cal.4th 865, 905; California Practice Guide: Civil
Trial. & Evidence, Chap. 12-A, 12:56.

Permitting Counsel To Disparage Opposing People v. Herring (1993) 20 Cal.App.4th 1066

Counsel, Parties or Witnesses

Limiting or Preventing Objections Gallagher v. Municipal Court (1948) 31 Cal.2d 784; Cooper v. Superior Court
(1961) 55 Cal.2d 291

Negative reaction to aggressive advocacy Lambert v. U.S. (5th Cir. 1939) 101 F.2d 960, 963; Bennett v. Superior Court
(1950) 99 Cal. App. 2d 585, 595

Restricting the scope of closing argument People v. Beivelman (1968) 70 Cal.3d 73, 76-77; People v. Polite (1965) 236
Cal.App.2d 85, 93 [both sides have broad discretion to argue the merits of the
case]; People v. Travis (1954) 129 Cal.App.2d 29 ["The right of discussing the
merits of the cause, both as to the law and facts, is unabridged"]

Commenting upon the Evidence or the People v. Mahoney (1927) 201 Cal. 618, 627; People v. Proctor (1992) 4
Credibility of Witnesses [which is permissible so Cal.4th 499, 543; People v. Cook (1983) 33 Cal.3d 400; People v. Rodriguez
long as it’s not partisan] (1986) 42 Cal.3d 730, 766; People v. Cummings (1993) 4 Cal. 4th 1233, 1305;
Cal. Code of Civ. Procedure § 608
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Prejudicial Statements Hernandez v. Paicius (2003) 109 Cal.App.4th 452, 460-463

Improper Ex Parte Communication with Ryan v. Commission on Judicial Performance (1988) 45 Cal.3d 518, 543;
Parties or Witnesses Rushen v. Spain (1983) 464 U.S. 114, 117 118; Guadaulpe A. v. Superior
Court (1991) 234 Cal.App.3d 100

Inappropriate Communication with Jurors U.S. v. Coke (2nd Cir. 1964) 339 F.2d 183, 186; People v. Alfaro (1976) 61
Cal.App.3d 414, 426; People v. Lazarus (1929) 207 Cal. 507; United States v.
Miroyan (1978) 577 F.2d 489, 494; People v. Knighten (19890) 105 Cal.3
128 (1980).

Commenting to press re pending case Ryan v. Commission on Judicial Performance (1988) 45 Cal.3d 518, 543

Encouraging or permitting Spectator Arizona v. Gevrez (1944) 148 P.2d 829; Commonwealth v. Hoover (1910) 75
Misconduct A. 1023; People v. Slocum (1975) 52 Cal.App.3d 867, 883

Telling counsel in front of the jury to take his People v. Alfaro (1976) 61 Cal.App.3d 414, 426
objection up with the appellate court