Objection!
Roles In A Trial
During A Trial
Vocabulary
100

When an attorney asks a question that asks for information outside of a witness's rationally based perception.  

What is speculation

100

a government body that brings charges against a person accused of breaking the law.

what is prosecution

100

Attorneys summarize what happened in the case at the end of a trial

Closing Statement

100

the judge's decision to not allow a question because it goes against the rules of evidence.

what is sustain

200

Secondhand information that is based on an opinion and not trustworthy (usually when someone heard someone else say something)

Hearsay

200

the team representing the person being charged.

what is defense

200

A speech at the beginning of a trial (the prosecution says theirs first) 

What is an Opening Statement

200

A judge's decision to not allow an objection and allow question to be answered.

What is overule

300

This means that the only physical evidence and testimony allowed is that which tends to make a fact which is important to the case more or less probable than the fact would be without the evidence.

What is relevancy

300

a person being called to the stand

what is a witness

300

The examination of a witness by the attorney who calls the witness to the stand to testify on behalf of the attorney's client.

What is a direct examination

300

the defendant is innocent until proven guilty (prosecution's job)

What is the burden of proof

400

When a lay witness offers an opinion they are not qualified to give (scientific, medical, etc. or opinion on the ultimate issue such as guilt or innocence.)

What is improper opinion

400

In criminal cases, the person being accused. In a civil case, the organization or person being sued.

Who is the defendant

400

The questioning of an opposing witness during a trial

What is cross examination

400

a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court

What is affidavit

500

A judge may admit an out-of-court statement of the declaration's then existing state of mind, emotion, sensation, or physical condition

What is state of mind

500

The person responsible of swearing in witnesses, keeping time and announcing the judge.

who is the bailiff

500

To show that a witness is untruthful and has lied in past statements or in immediate testimony

What is impeaching the witness

500

an agreement made by attorneys on both side about some aspect of the case.

What is a stipulation