Trial Vocabulary
A method for solving disputes where two or more people who disagree present their evidence before a judge or jury.
What is a TRIAL?
This is the very first step in a trial. The trial cannot begin without this happening.
What is THE JUDGE ENTERS AND TAKES THE BENCH?
This person does most of the talking during direct examination.
Who is the WITNESS?
The first thing the jury hears from each side.
What is OPENING STATEMENTS?
Process of sharing information and evidence before trial
What is DISCOVERY?
Evidence showing the defendant was not present at the scene of the crime
What is an ALIBI?
This person (side) gives the first opening statement at a trial.
What is THE PROSECUTION / PROSECUTOR / PLAINTIFF?
What is a YES OR NO?
The last thing the jury hears from each side.
What is CLOSING STATEMENTS?
An explanation of what a witness saw, heard, did or experienced
What is TESTIMONY?
Questioning the credibility of a witness
What is IMPEACHMENT?
This happens after both sides give their opening statements.
What is THE FIRST WITNESS IS CALLED AND DIRECT EXAMINATION BEGINS.
Bobbie’s co-worker: “I heard people in the breakroom talking about how Bobbie had been embezzling money for years.”
What objection could be used?
What is HEARSAY?
This person / side must be prepared to adjust their opening statement while the other side is giving theirs.
What is the DEFENSE / DEFENDANT?
Removal of a prospective juror without giving any reason.
What is PEREMPTORY CHALLENGE / STRIKE?
Jury selection process of questioning prospective jurors
This person / side cross examines the first witness.
What is THE DEFENSE / DEFENDANT?
Attorney: “Maria, you were at school on the morning of November 30th, isn’t that correct?”
What type of objection would be used in response to this question?
What is LEADING THE WITNESS?
A good opening statement will start with a short _______________________ that reflects their theory of the case.
What is CATCH PHRASE?
Court rules that govern the admissibility of evidence at criminal hearings and trials.
What are RULES OF EVIDENCE?
Occurring during jury selection, such challenges can be made by an attorney seeking to excuse a potential juror on grounds of bias
What is CHALLENGE FOR CAUSE?
This person / side makes the first closing argument in a trial.
What is THE PROSECUTION / PROSECUTOR / PLAINTIFF?
_____________ occurs when the witness provides more information than the question called for. Witnesses’ answers must respond to the questions, but not go beyond them.
(This is a reason for objecting to a witness' response.)
What is NARRATION?
Studies show that people remember statements based on _____________ and ___________.
What is PRIMACY and RECENCY?
The burden / standard of proof in a civil case.
What is PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE?