Ambush In The Courtroom

"Oh, fuck," Nathaniel muttered under his breath, then snapped, "That is not your decision to make!"

"Silence in the court!" The bailiff said, quickly restoring decorum to the room. 

Benita stood quickly. "With the court's permission, we'd like to call Mr. Campbell to testify. The information he has is urgent and directly pertains to the children's immediate safety."

Nathaniel shot to his feet, his voice cutting through the room.

"Objection, Your Honor. Mr. Campbell was not listed as a witness, and we've received no advance notice of his testimony or the evidence he intends to present. Allowing him to take the stand now—without disclosure—violates procedure and denies my client the opportunity to prepare a proper response. This is a surprise witness and an unfair ambush."

The judge leaned back in his chair, considering.