Mock Trial Courtroom Roles and Procedures Study Guide

Judge

Rules on objections, keeps the trial fair, instructs the jury.

Attorneys

Represent their side, question witnesses, make objections, and argue in openings/closings.

Pre-Trial Attorney

Argues legal motions before the trial begins (e.g., admissibility of evidence).

Witnesses

Testify about what they saw, heard, or did; must stick to their affidavits.

Clerk

Swears in witnesses and manages evidence/exhibits.

Bailiff

Maintains order, announces the judge, assists in the courtroom.

Jury (if present)

Decides verdict based only on evidence and law.

Pre-Trial Motions

Legal issues decided by the judge before the trial starts.

Opening Statements

Each side previews their case — no arguments, just outline.

Direct Examination

Friendly questions to your own witness; no leading.

Cross Examination

Challenging the other side's witness; leading questions allowed.

Redirect / Recross

Clarify points after cross.

Closing Arguments

Summarize the evidence, argue for a verdict, and rebut the other side.

Criminal Trial

Prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Civil Trial

Plaintiff must prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not).

Leading

Suggesting the answer in the question (only barred on direct).

Hearsay

An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of what it says.

Speculation

Witness guesses about something they don't know.

Relevance

Evidence or questions not related to the case.

Argumentative

Attorney is arguing with/badgering the witness instead of asking questions.

Lack of Personal Knowledge

Witness testifies about something they couldn't know.

Asked and Answered

The same question is repeated after being answered.

Improper Character Evidence

Using past behavior to prove conduct in this case.

Opening

Tell the jury what the evidence will show (no arguing).

Closing

Tie the evidence together, attack the other side's case, and argue for your verdict.