Characters of the Court
Who decides issues of law and procedure and ensures the trial proceeds in a proper manner?
The judge.
What are the statements given by both the prosecution and the defense at the beginning of a trial called?
Opening statements.
What type of evidence is presented through the sworn, oral statements of a person in court?
Testimonial evidence.
A witness testifies, "The bartender told me that the defendant was yelling and waving a bottle around." What is the proper objection to this testimony?
Hearsay.
What do lawyers use to summarize the evidence presented during the trial and argue their client's case to the jury after all the witnesses have testified?
Closing arguments (or closing statements).
Who is responsible for deciding issues of fact and applying those facts to the law in a jury trial?
The jury.
What does a jury deliver at the end of a trial?
A verdict.
A jury is presented with a blood-stained shirt found at a crime scene. What type of evidence is the shirt?
Real evidence (also known as physical evidence).
During cross-examination, an attorney asks, "How can you expect this jury to believe that you weren't speeding?" What is the correct objection?
Argumentative.
What is the legal term for the process where both the prosecution and the defense share information and evidence with each other before a trial?
Discovery.
In a criminal trial, what is the name of the party who brings the case against the defendant?
The prosecutor.
If a lawyer is questioning their own witness, what is this process called?
Direct examination.
A prosecutor introduces into evidence a collection of text messages between the defendant and the victim. What type of evidence is this?
Documentary evidence.
A lawyer is questioning their own witness. They ask, "You were at the deli at 8 p.m., weren't you?" What is the proper objection?
Leading the witness.
After a trial has concluded, a defendant can request a higher court to review the lower court's decision if there was an error in the trial procedure. What is this process called?
An appeal.
Who's role is it to ensure all people - from judge to witness to jury - stay safe in the courtroom and during trial?
The bailiff.
What is it called when a lawyer challenges the credibility of an opponent's witness by questioning their statements?
Cross-examination.
What type of evidence directly proves a fact without the need for an inference? For example, the confession of a defendant or the testimony of an eyewitness who saw the crime.
Direct evidence.
What objection should be raised if an attorney asks a witness about the defendant's past criminal history, which is unrelated to the current case?
Relevance.
A judge can grant a _ _ _ _, where a party asks the court to make a decision on an issue before the trial officially begins. What are these called?
Pre-trial motions.
In a civil trial, what is the name for the party who files the lawsuit?
The plaintiff.
In a criminal case, which party has the "burden of proof" and must prove the defendant's guilt?
The prosecution.
This type of evidence requires a judge or jury to make an inference based on a chain of facts to reach a conclusion.
Circumstantial evidence.
An attorney is examining a witness and asks, "What do you think was going through the victim's mind?" What is the correct objection?
Speculation.
What is the process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability for a case called?
Voir dire.