Overview of Trials & Evidence

CRJU 430 Spring 2026: Overview of Trials and Evidence

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the different types of trials.

  • Define 'Stare decisis' and 'precedent'.

  • Define 'Evidence'.

  • Explain the roles of the judge and jury.

  • Define 'Burden of proof'.

Types of Trials

Civil Trials

  • Definition: Dispute between private parties (e.g. employee vs. employer).

  • Litigation: The case is identified as Plaintiff v. Defendant.

  • Liability: The plaintiff must prove liability by the preponderance of the evidence.

Criminal Trials

  • Definition: Government charges a person with violating a criminal law.

  • Prosecution: The case is identified as Government v. Defendant.

  • Culpability: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Comparison of Civil and Criminal Trials

  • Decision Requirement:

    • Civil: A unanimous decision is not required.

    • Criminal: A unanimous decision is required.

  • Judgment Outcomes:

    • Civil:

    • For Plaintiff: Typically, the Defendant is ordered to pay compensatory and/or punitive damages.

    • For Defendant: The judgment is that the defendant is not liable.

    • Criminal:

    • For Defendant: Guilty or Not Guilty.

      • Guilty: Defendant is sentenced.

      • Not Guilty: Protects against double jeopardy by the government.

Appeals in Civil and Criminal Trials

  • Civil: Either party may appeal the outcome.

  • Criminal:

    • The defendant may appeal a guilty verdict (conviction).

    • The prosecution cannot appeal a not-guilty verdict.

  • Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus: A formal legal request asking a court to determine whether a person is being lawfully detained or imprisoned, particularly concerning violations of constitutional rights.

California State Judicial System

  • Comprises:

    • Trial courts

    • Appellate courts

    • California Supreme Court

Stare Decisis

Definition

  • A doctrine that requires courts to follow precedent set by previous legal decisions.

Importance of Stare Decisis and Precedent

  • Function: Ensures consistency, stability, and predictability in the law.

  • Precedent: A prior court decision that serves as an example or authority in deciding later cases involving similar facts or legal issues.

  • Legal Principle: Courts that adhere to stare decisis honor past rulings, thus providing guidance in legal determinations.

Roles of the Judge and Jury

Jury

  • Defined as the fact-finder in a trial.

  • Jurors apply the law to the factual determinations made within the case.

  • Responsibilities:

    • Must decide which of two conflicting narratives presented is more credible.

    • Required to reach a conclusion based on the evidence presented in court.

Judge

  • Functions as a neutral authority applying the law and safeguarding constitutional rights.

  • Also referred to as the 'law giver' in a courtroom setting.

  • responsibilities include:

    • Oversees trial procedures.

    • Imposes lawful sentences if applicable.

    • In bench trials (without a jury), serves as both trier of law and fact-finder.

Judge’s Responsibilities in Criminal Court

  • Protects defendants’ constitutional rights.

  • Oversees pretrial proceedings (including warrants, bail, and motions).

  • Maintains order in the courtroom during trials.

  • Interprets and applies relevant law.

  • Acts as a fact-finder in bench trials.

  • Oversees jury selection and the trial process.

  • Handles post-conviction matters, including appeals and habeas corpus requests.

What is “Evidence”?

Definition

  • According to Section 140 of the California Evidence Code: “testimony, writings, material objects, or other things presented to the senses that are offered to prove the existence or nonexistence of a fact.”

Relevant Case Law

  • Mapp v. Ohio (1961): The U.S. Supreme Court extended the exclusionary rule to the states; thus, evidence collected unconstitutionally is excluded from trial.

Fourth Amendment

  • Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures:

    • People have the right to feel secure in their persons, homes, and belongings.

    • A warrant, requiring probable cause, backed by oath or affirmation, is necessary for searches.

    • Warrant must specify the location and items to be seized.

Burden of Proof

  • The prosecution is responsible for proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • In most cases, the prosecution has the burden of production, which entails presenting evidence to advance the case.

Judge's Role in Evidence

  • Judges rule on what evidence will be introduced at trial.

Rules of Evidence

Overview

  • Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE): Adopted by 42 states; applicable to federal criminal cases irrespective of state jurisdiction.

  • California's Approach: California does not follow the FRE; it adopts its California Evidence Code, which adheres to most fundamental principles of FRE.

Purpose of Rules of Evidence

  • To maintain fairness during trials by ensuring that rights are upheld within legal proceedings.

Objectives of Rules of Evidence

  • Equality: Ensures both prosecution and defense adhere to the same evidentiary standards and rules, thereby preventing any party from having an unfair advantage.

  • Values: Promotes societal values by recognizing testimonial privileges (e.g., spouses, clergy-penitent, doctor-patient).

  • Fairness: Guarantees no party holds an undue advantage, facilitating cross-examination capabilities.

  • Efficiency: Aims to exclude cumulative evidence that provides no additional information, preventing unnecessary use of time and resources.

  • Quality: Encourages submission of the “best evidence,” such as original documents over copies.

  • Emotion: Limits evidence presentation to prevent jurors from making decisions based on emotional responses instead of factual analysis.

  • Improper Conduct: Restricts lawyers from using abusive language towards witnesses or misrepresenting facts during the trial process.