Court room Roles
The person responsible for deciding the verdict in a bench trial.
Who is the judge?
A type of question where the answer is included in the question itself.
What is a leading question?
The opening part of the trial where each side presents its theory of the case.
What are opening statements?
The level of proof required to convict someone of a crime.
What is beyond a reasonable doubt?
A witness who saw the event happen firsthand is called this type of witness.
What is an eyewitness?
The attorney who represents the person accused of a crime.
Who is the defense attorney?
An objection used when a lawyer asks about something not relevant to the case.
What is relevance?
The questioning of a witness by the opposing attorney.
What is cross-examination?
A lesser charge that includes unlawful physical contact without consent.
What is battery?
If an attorney repeatedly interrupts the opposing side, the judge may say this to restore order.
What is “Counsel, approach the bench”?
The person who ensures courtroom order and security.
Who is the bailiff?
Evidence based on a witness repeating what someone else said.
What is hearsay?
The final opportunity for each side to persuade the jury before deliberations begin.
What are closing arguments?
The legal term for a guilty mind or intent.
What is mens rea?
When a witness gives testimony that contradicts their earlier statement, the attorney may attempt to do this.
What is impeach the witness?
The party responsible for presenting evidence to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who is the prosecution?
An objection used when a lawyer asks a question that assumes something not proven true.
What is assuming facts not in evidence?
The stage where attorneys discuss the admissibility of evidence outside the presence of the jury.
What is a motion in limine?
A crime involving unlawful taking of property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner.
What is theft/larceny?
A witness testifies that they “heard from a friend” something about the case. This would be excluded because it is…
What is hearsay?
The person responsible for creating the official transcript of everything said during trial.
Who is the court reporter?
The rule that prevents evidence of a person’s previous crimes from being used to prove they acted the same way this time.
What is character evidence?
The step where an attorney challenges improper statements made during the other side’s closing.
What is an objection during closing argument?
A defense based on a person being pressured to commit a crime by threat of immediate harm.
What is duress?
When an exhibit is authenticated and accepted by the judge, it officially becomes this.
What is admitted evidence?