Immediately after ADA Stone stops questioning the ME who performed the autopsy, he calls the dead victim's mother to the stand. Since the ME is a prosecution witness, Mr. Stone questions him first, meaning that the defense should have an opportunity to cross-examine the ME. Even if the defense chooses to ask no questions, the attorney must be given the opportunity to cross-examine, and the presiding judge should have at least asked the defense whether it cared to cross-examine before allowing the wife to be sworn in.
Throughout the trial, objections aren't handled properly. Whenever an objection is raised, the judge must make a ruling on its validity before testimony can continue--unless the questioner withdraws the question. If the judge overrules an objection, the question must be answered. Many questions remain unanswered even after the judge has overruled the objections.
In addition, throughout the trial, the judge allow ADA Stone to make arguments (rather than ask questions) after the defense has objected to a specific question. A judge isn't likely to allow either side to make arguments until the judge has ruled on the validity of the objection in question. An appeal to the defendant's conviction could be made based on the judge's mishandling of Mr. Stone--while objecting to more than one objection, Mr. Stone makes arguments that belong in opening or closing arguments, not the presentation of evidence.
In addition, throughout the trial, the judge allow ADA Stone to make arguments (rather than ask questions) after the defense has objected to a specific question. A judge isn't likely to allow either side to make arguments until the judge has ruled on the validity of the objection in question. An appeal to the defendant's conviction could be made based on the judge's mishandling of Mr. Stone--while objecting to more than one objection, Mr. Stone makes arguments that belong in opening or closing arguments, not the presentation of evidence.
Brian Smiar is listed in the closing credits as "Judge Harper", but the name on his courtroom nameplate is "Hon. Tyler B. Ashford."