Overview of Criminal Trial Procedures and Rights

Criminal Trial

Uses facts and law to convict or acquit.

Mistrial

Judge declares trial invalid due to issues.

Bench Trial

Trial decided by a judge, not jury.

Public Defender

State-appointed attorney for defendants unable to pay.

Prosecutorial Discretion

Power to decide charges and plea deals.

Choreographed Trials

Trials follow a standard procedural format.

Prosecutor

Represents the state and decides charges.

Exculpatory Evidence

Evidence that may clear the defendant.

Defense Attorney

6th amendment right to legal representation.

Expert Witnesses

Qualified individuals providing opinions in court.

Defendant

Accused person with rights in trial.

Speedy Trial

6th amendment right against unnecessary delays.

Voir Dire

Process of selecting jurors through questioning.

Challenges for Cause

Legal reasons to eliminate jurors.

Peremptory Challenge

Elimination of jurors without reason.

Presentation of Evidence

Includes testimony and real forensic evidence.

Direct Evidence

Evidence directly observed by a witness.

Circumstantial Evidence

Evidence requiring inference to draw conclusions.

Closing Statements

Final arguments before jury deliberation.

Hung Jury

Jury unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

In Absentia

Trial conducted without the defendant present.

Rights of Accused

Legal protections for individuals facing charges.