Roles in a Trial
What is the role of the Judge?
The Judge oversees the trial, ensures legal procedures are followed, and makes rulings on objections.
What is an Opening Statement?
An Opening Statement is an introductory statement made by each sides attorney outlining their case to the jury.
What is an objection?
when a lawyer says "objection," they are trying to argue against a question that the other lawyer asked while a witness is talking.
What is a witness testimony?
Witness testimony is what someone tells in court about what they observed, listened to, or experienced. It serves as a kind of proof that helps to clarify the facts in a legal situation.
How does a Jury reach a verdict?
The jury comes to a conclusion by talking about the evidence and witness statements in a private room. They then make a decision by voting, with the choice that most people agree on winning.
What is the role of the Jury?
The Jury listens to the evidence presented ,takes notes ,deliberates, and renders a verdict based on the facts of the case.
What is a Closing Statement?
A closing statement summarizes the case and argues why the evidence presented supports their verdict.
When a witness talks about something they heard from someone else instead of sharing what they know themselves, is called what?
Hearsay
What is a narrative?
When a witness answers a question with a long, unfocused story.
What is a Leading Question?
A leading question is a type of question that hints at a specific answer and includes details that the person asking wants to be verified.
What does the Prosecutor do?
The Prosecutor in the civil case presents evidence and makes sure the trial follows the law and correct procedures.
What should an opening statement include?
A clear introduction to the case
A concise overview of the key facts
A preview of the evidence that will be presented
The main theme or argument of your case
When a witness is asked to make a guess or give an estimate about something, that's called?
Speculation
What is a cross examination?
A "cross examination" is when a lawyer from the other side of a trial asks questions to a witness that the other party brought in. The goal is to make the witness seem less believable.
Vague or ambiguous is an objection used when?
When an attorney asks a witness a question that is unclear or hard to understand.
What is the Defense Attorney's role?
Defense Attorney is an advocate for the person or entity being accused. They are responsible for protecting their client's interests and freedoms.
What should be avoided in a Closing Statement?
Introducing new evidence not presented during the trial
Making personal attacks against the opposing party or witnesses
Stating personal opinions as facts
Using overly emotional language
Rambling or going off-topic
When proof or statements don't connect to the case or aren't significant.
Relevance
What is a direct examination?
A "direct examination" is when a lawyer asks questions to a witness they brought to court. This is the time for the witness to share their version of what happened.
what is the difference between a lay witness and an expert witness?
A lay witness shares what they know and have seen about an event.
An expert witness gives their opinions because they have special knowledge and skills in a certain area. This means they can look at evidence and come to conclusions that a regular person might not be able to figure out just from their own experiences.
What is the Function of a witness in a trial?
to testify or tell what they know about the situation, to better support the side they are representing.
What should be avoided in a Opening Statement?
Exaggerating facts
Making arguments instead of outlining evidence
Stating opinions
Going into excessive detail
Mentioning inadmissible evidence
Asking questions of the jury
When a question is meant to provoke or annoy the witness.
Argumentative
Who questions witnesses first?
In a courtroom, the prosecution goes first when asking questions to witnesses because it's their job to prove that the defendant is guilty.
What does overruled and sustained mean in court, and what happens to the attorney under each ruling?
In a courtroom, when a judge says "overruled," it means they don't agree with an objection, and the attorney can continue with their line of questioning.
If the judge says "sustained," it means they do agree with the objection, and the attorney must move onto another question or rephrase their question.