The trial is a time-consuming, complex, and public process where evidence is carefully examined by the judge and jury. This process, sometimes called a hearing or deposition, provides citizens with a structured and legitimate way to resolve disputes. It also serves as a pedestal for legal precedent, where judges and juries refine the law through their meticulous examination of witnesses, documents, and arguments.
At the beginning of a trial, both sides can give opening statements, which are brief overviews of what they plan to present during the rest of the trial. The prosecution then presents its case, and the defense can ask each witness questions (called cross-examination). Each side must meet a “burden of proof” to prove its side, which means they must have enough evidence to convince the judge or jury that their view is correct.
Attorneys must collect all relevant information before the trial begins, which is done through a process known as discovery. This includes interviewing witnesses, taking sworn statements from them, and reviewing documents. During the trial, attorneys can question witnesses to establish their credibility and validity, submit their own evidence, and make legal arguments called objections. Then the closing arguments occur, where each attorney has a short amount of time to reinforce their position to the judge or jury before the case is decided. The jury then decides whether the defendant committed each of the crimes the government has charged them with. If they find the defendant not guilty, the judge will announce this verdict in open court and the jury is free to leave.