COURTROOM ROLES
This person presides over the courtroom and rules on objections.
What is a judge?
A person accused of a crime.
What is a defendant?
Law that involves disputes between people or organizations.
What is civil law?
The first step in a trial where lawyers present their case outline.
What are opening statements?
This is the formal way you address a judge in court.
What is "Your Honor"?
This attorney represents the state or government in criminal cases.
What is a prosecutor?
A group of people who decide the verdict in a trial.
What is a jury?
Law that involves crimes and their punishment.
What is criminal law?
The party who brings a civil lawsuit.
What is the plaintiff?
You should always do this before and after speaking to the judge.
What is stand up and say “May it please the court”?
This person takes notes of everything said in court.
What is a court reporter?
A formal accusation of a crime.
What is an indictment?
Law created by decisions of courts.
What is common law?
After all evidence is presented, lawyers do this to summarize their case.
What are closing arguments?
When attorneys work together to divide up witness and speech responsibilities.
What is case strategy or role assignment?
This person ensures the courtroom is secure and helps maintain order.
What is a bailiff?
A legal order requiring someone to appear in court.
What is a subpoena?
Laws passed by legislatures or governing bodies.
What is statutory law?
A request for a higher court to review the decision of a trial court.
What is an appeal?
During mock trial prep, you should write these to help anticipate what the other side might say.
What are prewritten objections or cross questions?
This person helps the judge with legal research and drafting opinions.
What is a law clerk?
A statement made under oath.
What is testimony?
Law that governs relationships between individuals and the government.
What is constitutional law?
The phase when lawyers question each other’s witnesses.
What is cross-examination?
This is the time to object if your opponent asks an unfair or improper question.
What is immediately after the question is asked, before the witness answers?