What are the first 5 steps in a trial?

Asked by: Vance Stark II  |  Last update: October 27, 2025
Score: 5/5 (22 votes)

The Trial Process
  1. Stage 1: Jury Selection.
  2. Stage 2: Opening Statements.
  3. Stage 3: Presentation of Evidence.
  4. Stage 4: Closing Arguments.
  5. Stage 5: Jury Deliberations.

What are the 5 steps of a trial?

A Look at the Trial Process
  • Presentation of Evidence and Testimony of Witnesses. The plaintiff's or prosecution's case is presented first. ...
  • Closing Arguments. ...
  • Presentation of Jury Instructions (Charging the Jury) ...
  • Deliberation. ...
  • Announcement of the Verdict.

What are the 5 steps each case goes through?

Criminal court
  • Charges are filed. Typically, the prosecutor files a Complaint. ...
  • Arraignment. The defendant goes to court. ...
  • Pretrial activities. ...
  • Trial. ...
  • Sentencing. ...
  • After sentencing.

What are the 7 steps in a jury trial?

CRIMINAL TRIAL PROCESS STEPS
  • Selecting a jury.
  • Opening statements.
  • Witness testimonies and cross-examination.
  • Closing arguments.
  • Jury instruction.
  • Deliberation and verdict.

What is the first step of the trial process?

Opening Statements

The prosecutor makes an opening statement first because the Government has the burden of proving that the defendant committed the crime.

What is the Court Process of a Criminal Case?

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What is the first phase of trial?

A phase I clinical trial tests the safety, side effects, best dose, and timing of a new treatment. It may also test the best way to give a new treatment (for example, by mouth, infusion into a vein, or injection) and how the treatment affects the body.

What is Step 4 in a trial?

Step 4: Deliberations by the Jury. After closing statements by the attorneys and the judge's instructions on the law, the bailiff or court attendant will take you to the jury room for deliberations. Your first duty when entering the jury room is to select a foreperson.

What are two things jurors should never do?

Don't lose your temper, try to bully, or refuse to listen to the opinions of other jurors. Don't mark or write on exhibits or otherwise change or injure them. Don't try to guess what might happen if the case you have heard is appealed.

Who goes first in opening statements?

Generally, the party who bears the burden of proof ( plaintiff in a civil case or prosecution in a criminal case ) begins the opening statements, followed immediately after by the adverse party ( defendant ).

What is the golden rule of the jury trial?

A “golden rule” argument is one that, regardless of the nomenclature used, asks the jurors to place themselves in a victim's position. We have repeatedly held that a golden rule argument is improper, and we conclude that the State violated this prohibition in its closing argument.

What happens if you lose a trial?

If you lose your case, you can appeal to have a higher court review the jury trial. The appeals process is not a chance at a new trial. There are limited reasons you can file an appeal. An appeal is usually limited to errors of law.

What is the 5 case method?

Business cases can be broken down into 5 different aspects which are interconnected but distinct (namely, the strategic, economic, financial, commercial and management aspects of the case).

What is a Rule 5 case?

Initial Appearance. (a) In General. (1) Appearance Upon an Arrest. (A) A person making an arrest within the United States must take the defendant without unnecessary delay before a magistrate judge, or before a state or local judicial officer as Rule 5(c) provides, unless a statute provides otherwise.

Who sits closest to the jury?

The attorneys' tables: Two tables face the judge's bench. The prosecution sits at the table closest to the jury box, while the defense table is on the opposite side. This setup allows both sides to address the jury easily.

Can I sue after being found not guilty?

If you are accused of a crime and acquitted or otherwise found not guilty of the offense, you can still face a civil lawsuit for the same incident. The Double Jeopardy clause only protects you from subsequent criminal prosecution in the legal system.

What are the four things that occur at the first appearance?

First, the judge will ask if you are the person named in the complaint. Second, the judge will make sure that you have been advised of and understand your constitutional rights. Third, the judge will ask if you understand the charges against you. Last, the judge will set release conditions.

What do judges say at the beginning of a trial?

Judge: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the People of the State of California versus (defendant's first name). Are both sides ready? District Attorney: Ready for the People, Your Honor.

Do prosecutors want to go to trial?

When a prosecutor decides to take a case to trial, it's typically because they believe they have a strong case that serves the interests of justice. Several factors can contribute to this decision: Strong evidence supporting the charges. Serious nature of the offense.

What should a witness do if they make a mistake?

If you make an error in answering a question and decide that you have made an error, ask permission of the court to correct the error before you leave the witness stand. There is nothing wrong in doing this as people often make this type of error.

What not to say to a judge?

Here are five things all defendants will want to avoid saying to a criminal judge:
  • 'I Did It. ' ...
  • 'They Didn't Tell Me...' ...
  • Expletives. ...
  • Lies, Lies, Lies. ...
  • 'I Will Represent Myself.

What is one question that lawyers always ask jurors?

For example, in any type of criminal case, the lawyers might ask potential jurors if they've ever been a victim of a crime or had negative interactions with law enforcement. Lawyers want to know this because crime victims could be biased against a defendant.

Can a judge overrule a jury?

A judge will issue a JNOV if he or she determines that no reasonable jury could have reached the jury's verdict based on the evidence presented at trial, or if the jury incorrectly applied the law in reaching its verdict.

Why do all 12 jurors have to agree?

The need for accuracy, representativeness and public confidence in verdicts all argue for the unanimity standard in civil cases. In deference to local variation on this question, the [ABA] proposes that, in no case should a verdict be accepted that is concurred in by less than five-sixths of the jurors.

Who goes first in closing arguments?

The plaintiff, having the burden of proof, usually has the right to give her closing argument first, followed by the defendant's closing argument. In many jurisdictions, the plaintiff may use all of the allotted time, or the plaintiff may reserve time (e.g., ten minutes) to use after the defendant's closing argument.

What is the fifth in a trial?

At trial , an individual may “invoke the Fifth” by declining to testify in their own defense, and the prosecution may not comment on such a decision.