Roles
The person who is being accused of wrongdoing.
Defendant
Each side of the case is given the opportunity to summarize its findings at the end of the trial.
Closing Statement
An objection can be made to a witnesses' statement that is offered to prove a fact, but that the witness was not actually present to hear.
Hearsay
Witnesses may be asked only about facts that are directly about the case itself.
Irrelevant Evidence
Someone who observes an alleged crime in progress.
Eye Witness
When the trial is over, these 12 people discuss the information that has been presented and try to come to a unanimous decision about the defendant's guilt or innocence.
Jury
Witnesses who are called to the stand by one side can also be questioned by the other side (the prosecution's witnesses can also be questioned by the defense).
Cross Examination
Witnesses may not be asked questions about the facts of the case of which they have not personal knowledge.
Lack of Personal Knowledge
A witness must not be asked for his or her opinion at any time. The witness may only be asked to testify as to the facts of the case by describing something he or she saw or a relevant conversation.
Opinion
Witnesses who are called to provide professional knowledge on certain topics.
Expert Witness
This person opens trial by calling the court to order and announcing the judge.
Bailiff
The prosecution and the defense both make a statement describing the facts of the case from its client's point of view.
Opening Statement
A lawyer may not ask the same question over and over and over again in attempts to get the witness to give a different answer than the one already given.
Argumentative Question
This type of question suggests to the witness the answer that is desired by the examiner.
Leading Questions
Witnesses that provide facts and assessments that address a defendant's character.
Character Witness
The person bringing the suit against the defendant.
Plaintiff
Each side has the opportunity to call its witnesses to the stand and question them.
Direct Examination
"You are not a very good judge of character, are you Mr. Smith?"
"I have heard people say that Mr. Smith hates cats."
Hearsay
"I know Fred to be dependable, responsible, honest, and courteous."
Character Witness
The people who have testimony to share regarding the facts of the case.
Witnesses
After the jury deliberates, the judge reads out the jury's decision to the court.
Verdict
"What do you think Mr. Smith intended to do?"
Opinion
"Do you think Mr. Smith hated cats?"
Lack of Personal Knowledge
"On the night of Friday April 9th, I saw someone in a blue car driving away from the crime scene."
Eye Witness