Courtroom Basics
This official oversees the trial, rules on objections, and maintains order in the courtroom.
What is a judge?
This side carries the burden of proof in a criminal trial.
Who is the prosecution?
This part of the trial introduces the jury to each side’s theory of the case.
What is an opening statement?
This standard of proof is required for a guilty verdict.
What is beyond a reasonable doubt?
This objection applies when a question suggests its own answer.
What is leading?
This group of citizens decides the verdict based on the evidence presented.
What is the jury?
This is the level of certainty required to convict a defendant in a criminal case.
What is beyond a reasonable doubt?
This is when attorneys formally object to improper questions or evidence.
What is making an objection?
This amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
What is the fourth amendment?
This objection is used when testimony relies on an out-of-court statement offered for its truth.
What is hearsay?
The two opposing sides in a criminal trial are the prosecution and this group.
What is the defense?
This phrase means the defense does not have to prove anything at all.
What is “the burden never shifts”?
This part of the trial summarizes evidence and persuades the jury before deliberation.
What is a closing argument?
For murder by poison, the prosecution must prove the killing was this degree of murder.
What is first-degree murder?
This objection is raised when a witness is asked to interpret facts rather than testify to them.
What is calls for speculation?
This is the formal accusation that starts a criminal trial.
What is a charge?
This standard is lower than “beyond a reasonable doubt” and is used in civil cases.
What is preponderance of the evidence?
This legal request asks the judge to rule in a party’s favor before the case goes to the jury.
What is a motion?
Malice aforethought can be shown through this type of intent.
What is express malice?
This objection is used when a question calls for information the witness did not personally observe.
What is lack of personal knowledge?
This legal principle requires that a defendant be treated as innocent unless proven guilty.
What is the presumption of innocence?
This constitutional principle prevents the prosecution from forcing the defendant to testify.
What is the right against self-incrimination?
This strategic framework explains how and why the evidence proves a side’s story.
What is a theory of the case?
If the prosecution fails to prove first-degree murder, the jury must do this.
What is find the defendant not guilty of first-degree murder?
This objection applies when an attorney asks a compound or confusing question.
What is vague or ambiguous?