"This evidence was not previously disclosed. We were not provided with any indication that digital surveillance data or investigative reports would be presented today. Introducing it now is a direct violation of pre-trial procedure and deprives my client of the opportunity to examine or challenge its contents beforehand." Nathaniel insisted.
But Benita turned to the judge with her usual composed smile. "But Your Honor, the material is part of the evidence our witness had gathered. It became relevant following Mr. Campbell's investigation into the accident involving the children. The court has discretion in matters of child safety."
Nathaniel pressed, "Your Honor, opposing counsel is using the emotional weight of that phrase to justify procedural overreach. If this were so urgent, they could've filed an emergency motion prior to trial or revealed it at once before cross examination. This is a custody hearing, not an ambush."
The judge tapped his pen slowly against the wood.
