Steps in a Trial Process

• Jury -

• The trier of fact; group of citizens who listen to evidence and determine what happened in a case

• Judge -

• Presides over the trial, makes legal rulings, and ensures proper procedure

• Prosecutor -

• The attorney who represents the government in a criminal case

• Plaintiff -

• The party who brings a lawsuit in a civil case (the person suing)

• Defendant -

• The person being sued in a civil case or accused of a crime in a criminal case

Legal Processes: Discovery

• Discovery - The process of sharing information between parties before trial begins; allows each side to learn about the other's evidence and witnesses

Legal processes: Negotiation

• Negotiation - One way to settle a dispute without going to trial; parties discuss and try to reach an agreement

Legal processes: Trial

• Trial - The formal legal proceeding where evidence is presented and a decision is made

Legal processes: Adversary process

• Adversary Process - The legal system where opposing sides present their cases before an impartial judge or jury

Types of evidence & testimony: Evidence

• Evidence - Facts, documents, testimony, or physical objects that each party presents to prove their case

Types of evidence & testimony: Affidavit

• Affidavit - A written statement made by a witness under oath

Types of evidence & testimony: Direct examination

• Direct Examination - When an attorney questions their own witness

Types of evidence & testimony: Cross examination

• Cross-Examination - When an attorney questions the opposing side's witness

Legal standards & defenses: Preponderance of evidence

• Preponderance of the Evidence - The burden of proof in a civil case; means "more likely than not" (51% certainty)

Legal standards & defenses: Beyond a reasonable doubt

• Beyond a Reasonable Doubt - The burden of proof in criminal cases (much higher standard than civil cases)

Legal standards & defenses: Alibi

• Alibi - A type of defense in a criminal case where the defendant claims they were somewhere else when the crime occurred

Legal standards & defenses: Closing arguments

• Closing Arguments - The final step in a trial before the judge's or jury's decision; each side summarizes their case

Case types: Civil case

• Civil Case - A legal dispute between private parties (individuals, businesses, organizations) usually involving money or property

Case types: criminal

• Criminal Case - A case where the government prosecutes someone accused of breaking the law