Legal Terms
The person who brings a lawsuit against another.
Plaintiff.
The lawyer who represents the government in a criminal case.
Prosecutor
A witness who actually saw or heard what happened.
Eyewitness.
The person who keeps order in the courtroom and makes rulings on objections.
Judge.
Objection when a lawyer is asking something not relevant.
Relevance.
The person accused in a criminal trial.
Defendant.
The lawyer who represents the accused person.
Defense attorney
A witness with special knowledge, like a doctor or scientist.
Expert witness.
The beginning of a trial where lawyers state what they will prove.
Objection when a lawyer is leading the witness on direct.
Leading question.
A written or spoken statement given under oath.
Testimony.
The lawyer's opening remarks to outline what the case will show.
Opening statement.
A witness who has information that helps prove or disprove the case.
Fact witness
Direct examination.
Objection when a witness talks about something they didn’t personally see or hear.
Hearsay.
Anything that can be used in court to prove or disprove a fact.
When a lawyer questions the other side's witness.
Cross examination.
A witness who may not be telling the truth under oath.
Perjurer.
The final step of the trial before the judge or jury decides.
Closing arguments.
Objection when a lawyer asks the same question over and over.
Asked and answered.
The standard of proof in a criminal case.
Beyond a reasonable doubt.
When a lawyer summarizes the case for the jury or judge at the end.
Closing argument.
A witness who can testify about a person’s reputation or character.
Character witness.
The decision reached at the end of a trial.
Verdict.
Objection when a witness gives an opinion they aren’t qualified to give.
Speculation.