How does a Trial work?

• Preliminary motions are addressed by the Judge
• Voir dire (Questioning of the jury pool)
• Jury is selected
• Judge enters and takes bench
• Clerk calls the case
• Plaintiff/Prosecutor presents opening statement
• Defense presents opening statement
• Plaintiff/Prosecutor calls first witness and conducts a direct examination
• Defense cross examines the witness
• Plaintiff/Prosecutor conducts a redirect examination, if desired
• Previous three steps are repeated for the remainder of the Plaintiff's/Prosecutor's witnesses
• Plaintiff/Prosecutor rests case
• Defense calls their first witness
• Defense conducts a direct examination
• Plaintiff/Prosecutor cross examines the witness
• Defense conducts a redirect examination, if desired
• Previous three steps are repeated for the remainder of the Defense's witnesses
• Defense rests case
• Plaintiff/Prosecutor presents a closing argument
• Defense presents a closing argument
• Plaintiff/Prosecutor offers a rebuttal
• Jury is given instructions
• Jury/Judge conducts deliberation
• Verdict/Decision/Judgment is rendered
• Order is issued/Sentence is given