When admitting a document, which step comes after showing it to opposing counsel?

When admitting a document, which step comes after showing it to opposing counsel?

• A. Hand the document to the witness and ask questions.
• B. Read the document aloud.
• C. Show the document to opposing counsel.
• D. Admit it to the court without further action.

Answer: (C)

Showing the document to opposing counsel is the key fairness step in the admission process. Before a document can be admitted, the other side must have an opportunity to inspect it, raise any objections, and challenge authenticity if needed. This gives both sides a chance to address issues and helps the court determine whether the document should be admitted. Handing the document to the witness and asking questions is a separate witness examination activity, reading it aloud isn’t required to admit it, and admitting to the court without any opportunity for objection or authentication would skip a crucial safeguard. Therefore, the next step in this process is to show the document to opposing counsel.

Showing the document to opposing counsel is the key fairness step in the admission process. Before a document can be admitted, the other side must have an opportunity to inspect it, raise any objections, and challenge authenticity if needed. This gives both sides a chance to address issues and helps the court determine whether the document should be admitted. Handing the document to the witness and asking questions is a separate witness examination activity, reading it aloud isn’t required to admit it, and admitting to the court without any opportunity for objection or authentication would skip a crucial safeguard. Therefore, the next step in this process is to show the document to opposing counsel.