Objection! Series - Oct/Nov '98

Objection! Series

Miscellaneous
Practice Specific
Training

The Objection! games series is a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience that lets attorneys practice, as well as enhance, their courtroom skills. Set in a courtroom, the goal of the games is to make the correct objections to the questions being presented therein. Best of all, if you're successful (and your state allows it), you can earn CLE credit for playing the game.

TransMedia's original line-up of Objection! and Civil Objection! AutoNeg has recently been supplemented with two new modules -- Civil Objection! SlipFall and Civil Objection! Expert Witness. In the Expert Witness module, you evaluate the testimony and qualifications of an expert witness. The SlipFall module tests your ability to respond to a courtroom examination based upon a Slip and Fall-type of fact pattern. This review will focus on these two new products.

All the modules start in basically the same way. When you first sign on, you're given the option to pick the state in which you are licensed. The game then uses the law of that state as a basis to rule on the objections.

The objective of the games is straightforward: First, you listen to opening statements. Then, you decide whether or not to object to 20 questions posed to a witness. Either the question is proper or an objection is required. If you object to the question, the basis of the objection must be given. Your score is based upon the quickness and accuracy of your answer. Each game features eight levels, and your advancement to the next level depends on the final score for the level on which you're competing. The games themselves contain over 10,000 questions and offer comprehensive explanations stating the rationale of the judges decision regarding your objection (or lack thereof).

Sound easy? Well it's not. Winning requires quick thinking and a comprehensive knowledge of the evidence rulees. There are also some "trick" questions that allow for more than one answer. For example, in the SlipFall module, the question "Isn't it correct, Ms. X, that you enjoy corn fields?" is irrelevant, vague and leading all at the same time.

While the content of the games is superb, the technical side could be improved. The modules I reviewed were a little slow; however, the creators of the Objection! series, TransMedia Productions Inc., told me that a 32-bit version should be out by the time you read this. The graphics are also poor. In future versions of this product, TransMedia needs to address this issue. Even so, this is a very good application that can be helpful for any attorney -- and fun, too. After I installed this to my laptop, I became the most popular attorney in my office; everyone stopped by to "visit" in hopes of trying it out!

TransMedia
(800) 832-4980
www.objection.com
Windows, DOS

$99 each module, $300 for all four

Reviewed by Adam C. Nelson, attorney and consultant, Baker, Robbins & Company, Chicago, Ill.

Oct/Nov '98 Issue

PROS
Fun and educational.

CONS
Poor graphics.

VERDICT
No objections, your honor.