Question 1

A final crucial step in the interviewing process is:

Accepted Answer

Summarizing the interview in an intake memorandum is a crucial step as it ensures that all important information gathered during the interview is documented and can be referred to later for case preparation and analysis.

Question 2

Mrs.Rosen, the driver of a blue Oldsmobile, was behind a red Ford Bronco when it crashed into a semi-trailer.Mrs.Rosen will testify about what she observed during the car accident.Mrs.Rosen is:

Accepted Answer

Mrs. Rosen is a lay witness because she is testifying about her personal observations of the accident, not providing expert analysis or opinion.

Question 3

Which of the following things would not reduce a witness's credibility?

Accepted Answer

A leadership position in the community would not necessarily reduce a witness's credibility. In fact, it could potentially increase their credibility if they are seen as a trustworthy and respected member of the community. However, the other options (A, B, and C) could all potentially reduce a witness's credibility.

Question 4

Investigation of the facts and circumstances of a legal matter is an important part of legal work because:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Investigation of the facts and circumstances of...

Question 5

Another term for a hostile witness is:

Accepted Answer

An "adverse witness" is another term for a hostile witness, which refers to a witness whose testimony is not favorable to the party who called them and may be openly antagonistic.

Question 6

When interviewing friendly witnesses, it is important to:

Accepted Answer

Listening closely for the actual facts is crucial to ensure accurate and useful information is gathered from the witness.

Question 7

Dr.Levi was standing at an intersection getting ready to cross the street when Jonah ran a red light and crashed into Silas's blue Dodge pickup.Dr.Levi can testify as:

Accepted Answer

Dr. Levi can testify as an eyewitness because he directly observed the incident at the intersection.

Question 8

Which of the following sources is likely to be included in an investigation plan in an auto accident case?

Accepted Answer

All of these sources are relevant and can provide crucial information in an auto accident investigation.

Question 9

An investigation is a document that lists each step involved in obtaining and verifying the facts and information that are relevant to a legal problem that is under investigation.

Accepted Answer

An investigation plan outlines the steps to be taken to gather and verify facts and information relevant to a legal problem.

Question 10

A(n) is a written statement that documents what a witness said during an interview, identifies the witness, the incident, and the details and facts discovered during the interview, and is signed by the witness.

Accepted Answer

A witness statement is a written document that records what a witness has said during an interview, including their identification, details of the incident, and facts discovered, and it is signed by the witness.

Question 11

A witness statement may be used to call into question the witness's testimony or demonstrate that the witness is unreliable.This is known as:

Accepted Answer

Impeaching the witness refers to the process of challenging the credibility or reliability of a witness's testimony, often by using prior inconsistent statements or evidence.

Question 12

Which of the following could reduce a witness's credibility?

Accepted Answer

All of these choices have the potential to reduce a witness's credibility. A history of drug use may suggest impairment or a lack of clarity in memory. A reputation as a liar suggests a dishonest character. A criminal record may suggest a tendency to break the law or a motive to lie for personal gain.

Question 13

Another term for an adverse witness is:

Accepted Answer

An adverse witness is commonly referred to as a "hostile witness" in legal terms, indicating a witness whose testimony is not favorable to the party who called them.

Question 14

Under the _, any person is competent to be a lay witness as long as the individual has personal knowledge of the matter.

Accepted Answer

The Federal Rules of Evidence (option B) govern the admissibility of evidence in federal court. Rule 602 specifically states that a witness may testify if they have personal knowledge of the matter. Therefore, any person is competent to be a lay witness as long as they have personal knowledge, regardless of any formal or professional qualifications. The other options (A, C, and D) do not exist and are not relevant to the question.

Question 15

Before starting an investigation, a paralegal should:

Accepted Answer

Creating an investigation plan is essential for organizing and guiding the investigation process effectively.

Question 16

Paralegal Sarah is meeting with a client, Mr.Jones, to obtain all necessary information to prepare his bankruptcy filing.This meeting takes place after Sarah's supervising attorney has decided to take Mr.Jones's case.This describes a(n):

Accepted Answer

This is a subsequent client interview because it occurs after the initial decision to take the case, focusing on gathering detailed information for the bankruptcy filing.

Question 17

Paralegal Catherine and attorney Jordan are meeting with a client to learn about the client's legal problem and to allow attorney Jordan to give the client legal advice, discuss legal fees, and determine whether or not to take the case.This describes a(n):

Accepted Answer

This scenario describes an initial client interview, where the attorney and paralegal meet with the client for the first time to understand the legal issue, provide advice, discuss fees, and decide on case acceptance.

Question 18

Paralegal Tom is meeting with Mrs.Brown, a client, to discuss her upcoming divorce hearing.His supervising attorney has asked Tom to review the court procedures and explain to Mrs.Brown how she should dress and groom herself for the hearing, how to remain calm during the hearing, and what types of questions to expect.This describes a(n):

Accepted Answer

An informational interview is a meeting in which a professional provides information to a client about a specific topic. In this case, Tom is providing Mrs. Brown with information about how to prepare for her divorce hearing.

Question 19

Mrs.Roberts is a witness to a burglary of her next-door neighbor's house. Mrs.Roberts contacts the police and asks them to give her name to the prosecutor because she wants to testify against the accused.She feels that if she testifies, it will help keep the burglaries down in her neighborhood.Mrs.Roberts is a(n) witness.

Accepted Answer

Mrs. Roberts is a friendly witness because she is willing to testify voluntarily to support the prosecution's case.

Question 20

Expert witnesses usually testify in which of the following types of cases?

Accepted Answer

Expert witnesses can testify in a variety of cases, but they are particularly common in medical malpractice and product liability cases. In medical malpractice cases, experts can provide opinions on whether a healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care, and in product liability cases, experts can offer testimony regarding the safety of a product or the adequacy of warnings provided. Therefore, choice E is the best answer. While expert witnesses can also be used in car accident and criminal cases, those types of cases do not always require expert testimony.

Quiz 10: Conducting Interviews and Investigation