Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam 2025 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

Introducing evidence at an unexpected time can unfairly surprise the other party and potentially impact the trial. This occurs when one side presents evidence that the other side did not have the opportunity to prepare for, whether that means evaluating the evidence or formulating a response. Such a scenario can disrupt the flow of the trial, undermine the affected party’s ability to adequately challenge or counter the evidence, and can lead to feelings of disadvantage or injustice. Effective legal proceedings demand that all parties have a fair opportunity to present their cases and respond to the other party’s claims. Therefore, adhering to protocols regarding the timing of evidence is crucial to maintaining a level playing field in the courtroom.

In contrast, evidence that is well-documented, supports a case, or comes from a credible source may be valuable and persuasive but does not inherently cause surprise in the legal context. The focus here is on the timing and manner of evidence presentation, which is key to ensuring fair proceedings.