Litigants meet in courts {trial, court}|. Plaintiff is typically city, county, or state. Defendants have lawyers, perhaps public defenders.
process
If defendant has right to jury trial and exercises that right, court selects jury. Court official reads complaint. Prosecutor presents evidence and witnesses. Witnesses face direct examination, cross-examination, and redirect examination. After prosecution presents case, defense presents evidence and witnesses. At any time, judges can hear motions from defense lawyers for case dismissal on grounds of illegally obtained evidence, insufficient evidence, no witnesses, or improper trial conduct. Judge or jury decides defendant's guilt or innocence. Accused must be guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
end
Trials can end by acquittal, conviction, or mistrial. Guilty pleas and requests for leniency by defendants can end trials. Trials can end by hung juries, nolo contendere, or appeals. Appeals can only allege law violations or improper court procedure.
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Date Modified: 2022.0224