Courtroom Roles
Who leads the trial and makes sure everyone follows the rules?
Judge
What is the room called where trials happen?
Courtroom
What comes first in a trial?
Opening statements.
What does a lawyer shout when they think a question is unfair?
Objection!
Who wears a black robe in court?
The judge.
Who defends the person accused of breaking the law?
Defense Attorney
What’s the official decision made by the jury at the end of a case?
Verdict
What happens after opening statements?
Witnesses testify and lawyers question them.
What does it mean when the judge says “Sustained”?
The judge agrees with the objection.
Who helps the judge by keeping order and handing out documents?
Bailiff
Who represents the government or state and tries to prove the defendant is guilty?
Prosecutor
What is the promise witnesses make before testifying?
Oath (to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth).
What happens after the witnesses finish?
Closing arguments.
What does it mean when the judge says “Overruled”?
The judge disagrees with the objection, and the question stands.
Who writes down everything said during the trial?
Court Reporter
Who decides the verdict at the end of the trial?
Jury
What do we call the formal accusation that someone committed a crime?
Charge
What does the jury do after hearing all the evidence?
They go to the jury room to deliberate and decide the verdict.
What kind of objection means the lawyer is repeating questions already asked?
Asked and answered.
What symbol represents fairness and justice?
The scales of justice.
If the prosecutor calls a witness to the stand, what can the defense attorney do next?
Cross-examine the witness (ask follow-up questions to challenge their answers).
What is the difference between a civil case and a criminal case?
Civil cases are about disagreements (like money or property). Criminal cases are about breaking the law.
Why is it important for jurors to be unbiased?
Because they must make a fair decision based only on evidence, not personal opinions.
A lawyer asks, “Do you think the defendant planned the crime?” What’s the objection?
Speculation- The witness can’t guess what someone was thinking.
In a real courtroom, why is the burden of proof important and who has it?
It means the prosecutor must prove the defendant is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.”