system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
How does "objecting" in court really work?

I saw a clip from the "Michael Jackson Doctor" trial today and at one point the witness for the prosecution says that Michael Jackson would not have died if the doctor had called 911 as soon as he found him. He doesn't say it (at least in this clip) as his opinion or that it is what he thinks, he states it as a fact.

Now from my many years of TV Lawyer School, I was all "Why isn't he objecting?! That is clearly speculation! He can't possibly know that!"

So.. yeah.. How does that actually work?
gpt
I would guess the witness was established as an expert.  Experts can testify to things called hypothetical questions.  Everyone knows that the expert can't know for sure, but if the expert has great credentials a jury might believe him.

Usually lawyers object for one or more of three reasons.  One is to keep the jury from hearing some piece of evidence that's against the rules.  Modern courts can handle lots of these ahead of time with something called a motion in limine. This save time for everyone.  Two is to throw off the other sides rhythm, kind of like calling a time out right before a field goal.  Judges hate this so good lawyers avoid it.  Three is to preserve the record for appeal.  This is the reason for most objections.

Sometimes just because you can object doesn't mean you should.  Trial strategies vary.  Some experts put juries to sleep.  In that case it's better to let the expert say his piece to a zoned out jury than call their attention to it.