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.