What are the two sides of a trial called?
Asked by: Cruz Spencer Jr. | Last update: November 17, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (52 votes)
parties - Plaintiffs and defendants (petitioners and respondents) to lawsuits, also known as appellants and appellees in appeals, and their lawyers. petit jury (or trial jury) - A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented by both sides at trial and determine the facts in dispute.
What are the two sides of trial?
As the trial moves forward, the prosecutor or plaintiff presents their case, but the defense has an opportunity to respond. This process of two sides going back and forth, is the heart of our trial procedure, and is based on an adversarial system.
Who is a defendant and plaintiff?
PLAINTIFF - The Plaintiff is the person initiating a claim in a civil case. DEFENDANT - The Defendant is the person being sued in a civil case, or the person who has been charged with a crime/driving offense in a criminal case.
What are the two sides of a legal case?
In every legal battle, there are two sides. The plaintiff is the one who initiates the case, the party who claims they have incurred loss or damage due to the defendant's actions or inactions. On the other side is the defendant, the individual, or entity accused of causing the alleged harm.
What are the two sides of a mock trial?
In each round you compete only one side of your case meaning you will act as prosecution/plaintiff or defense. A trial consists of opening statements, direct examinations, cross-examinations, and closing statements.
Karen Read Retrial Evidence | Vinnie Politan Investigates
What are the two sides in a trial called?
parties - Plaintiffs and defendants (petitioners and respondents) to lawsuits, also known as appellants and appellees in appeals, and their lawyers. petit jury (or trial jury) - A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented by both sides at trial and determine the facts in dispute.
What is the sidebar in a trial?
The sidebar is the area in front of or next to the bench that is removed from the witness stand and the jury box . Judges will often call attorneys to speak confidentially with the judge privately so that the jury cannot hear what is discussed.
What are the two sides called in civil court?
Plaintiff (civil case)- In a civil case, the person who brought the case to court is called the plaintiff. Defendant (civil case)- The person being sued in a civil case is called the defendant.
What are the two sides of justice?
“Two Sides of Justice” is a collection of narratives from system survivors. The criminal justice system has altered the lives of the people you're about to hear, sometimes for the better, but more often for the worse. Their contact with the system has permanently changed them and their life trajectories.
What are the two positions in court?
Court Clerks administer oaths, poll jurors and maintain custody of evidence. Judges preside over the courtroom, decide issues of law, and ensure that justice is served.
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.
Why is it called plaintiff?
The word plaintiff can be traced to the year 1278, and stems from the Anglo-French word pleintif meaning "complaining". It was identical to "plaintive" at first and receded into legal usage with the -iff spelling in the 15th century. A plaintiff identified by name in a class action is called a named plaintiff.
Who are the two sides involved in the case?
Parties - in a civil trial are the plaintiff and defendant; in a criminal trial they are the prosecutor (representing the people of the state or local political subdivision), and the defendant (the person charged with the crime);
Can a trial have two defendants?
A judge in a criminal case may feel that it is appropriate to combine the cases of multiple defendants when their charges involve the same set of circumstances. This can help a judge streamline their calendar and resolve a case more efficiently.
What are the 5 steps to initiate a lawsuit?
- Step 1: File a Complaint. Plaintiff files a complaint and summons with the local county court. ...
- Step 2: Answer Complaint. ...
- Step 3: Discovery. ...
- Step 4: Failing to Respond to Discovery. ...
- Step 5: Conclusion of Lawsuit.
What are the two sides in court called?
In civil cases, like a personal injury case, the plaintiff is the person(s) who has alleged that wrongdoing has been done to them. The defendant is the person(s) or entity that has been accused of committing a wrongful act.
What are the two sides of the criminal law system?
The two parties in the case are the Government (prosecution) and the Defendant; the Government may or may not take the victim's wishes into account when making its case against the Defendant. Depending on the local laws and the charges, the Defendant may be entitled to an attorney for his/her case.
What are the two sides of a Supreme Court case called?
"Petitioner" refers to the party who petitioned the Supreme Court to review the case. This party is variously known as the petitioner or the appellant. "Respondent" refers to the party being sued or tried and is also known as the appellee.
Why do most civil cases never go to trial?
There are several reasons why it may be better to settle a case rather than going to trial. Trials are expensive. Trials are stressful. Liability and damages are difficult to determine when your case is decided by a judge or jury.
Is the plaintiff the victim?
In a civil suit, the perpetrator is still referred to as the defendant, but the victim is now called the plaintiff. Essentially, a legal action is commenced by the plaintiff (victim) against the defendant (perpetrator or negligent third party) by serving lawsuit papers and filing them in court.
What are the parts of a courtroom called?
- Sound Lock/Entrance Vestibule. A courtroom entrance or vestibule serves as a transition between the courtroom and the public circulation areas. ...
- Special Counsel Station. ...
- Evidence Display and Storage. ...
- Clock. ...
- Storage Area. ...
- Press Accommodations. ...
- Defendant or Prisoner Seating. ...
- Cashier's Station.
What are the sides of trial?
The person who does the complaining is called the plaintiff. The person he/she is complaining about is called the defendant. In a criminal trial, a person is accused of a particular act which the law calls a crime, such as murder or robbery. The person who does the accusing is called the prosecutor.
What is the sidebar in court?
In the United States, the sidebar is an area in a courtroom near the judge's bench where lawyers may be called to speak with the judge so that the jury cannot hear the conversation or they may speak off the record.
What are the parts of a trial?
- Opening Statement: The lawyers for each side will explain the case, the evidence they plan to present, and the issues for the jury to decide.
- Presentation of Evidence: ...
- Rulings by the Judge: ...
- Instructions to the Jury: ...
- Closing Arguments: ...
- Deliberation: