Pre Trial:

• The prosecution / plaintiff stands on the right side of the courtroom.
• The defense stands on the left side of the court room.
• The judge will verify all parties are present.

Trial:

• Court is called into session.
• Any pre-trial motions will be presented and heard.
• If it is not a bench trial, the judge will read the statement of claim.
• If the case is criminal, the judge will read a list of charges and ask how the defendant pleads.
• The prosecution / plaintiff will give their opening statement.
• The defense will give their opening statement.
• Prosecution / Plaintiff:
  • Will call any witnesses to the stand to testify.
  • If there are no more witnesses, the prosecution / plaintiff will reference any pertient evidence or case law.
  • Prosecution / plaintiff rests.
• Defense:
  • Will call any witnesses to the stand to testify.
  • If its a criminal case and the defendant chooses to testify the judge will explain their fifth amendment rights.
  • If there are no more witnesses, the defense will reference any pertient evidence or case law.
  • Defense rests.
• Prosecution will give a closing statement.
• Defense will give a closing statement.
• The judge will put the court into recess and go deliberate.
• The judge returns and renders a verdict.