Key parties in a criminal trial

Judge or Magistrate

An impartial authority overseeing the trial, managing proceedings, deciding on admissibility of evidence, advising the jury, and handing down sentences.

Jury

A group of 12 individuals who decide the facts of the case, must be unbiased, and deliver a verdict based on the evidence presented.

Parties

The individuals or groups involved in a trial, responsible for presenting their case, giving opening and closing addresses, and assisting the judge with jury matters.

Legal representatives

Legal practitioners with a primary duty to the court, responsible for presenting cases, advising clients, and ensuring that no false evidence is presented.

Trial by peers

The concept that defendants should be judged by a group of 'regular people' rather than solely by legal professionals.

Unanimous verdict

A decision reached by all members of the jury, which is often required in criminal trials.

Recusal

The act of a judge withdrawing from a case in situations where they are not impartial.

Admissibility of evidence

The determination made by the judge regarding whether certain evidence can be included in the trial.

Closing address

The final argument presented by each party at the end of a trial, where they summarize their case and argue for a conclusion.

Legal duty

The obligation of legal practitioners to act in the best interests of the court and uphold justice, over the interests of their clients.