How a Trial Moves Through the Court System

The legal system in the United States is a complex one, with many components and layers. Attorneys and legal scholars spend years studying all of its nuances and subtleties and even then, they don't always reach consensus. If it's been a while since your last civics class in school, here's a brief refresher on one aspect of our courts: how a trial is processed.

The Participants

In addition to the plaintiff, defendant, and their attorneys, courtroom personnel includes the judge, clerk, bailiff, and court reporters Sacramento. Many trials also include witnesses and jury members. If needed, a court interpreter may also be present.

The participants and details will vary, depending on what type of trial is being processed. Outlined below are the basic steps a criminal trial will pass through as it works its way through the system.

The Initial Appearance

After a suspect has been arrested for a crime, they appear before a judge in order to be informed of the charges against them. At that time, the judge may appoint an attorney if the defendant cannot afford one. Conditions for bail may also be set at this appearance.

The Arraignment

During this court appearance, the defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads guilty, the judge sets a sentencing date at which the punishment for the crime will be determined. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the judge sets a trial date.

The Trial

On the date that was set by the judge at the arraignment, all parties to the case appear in court. If it is a jury trial, the jury is selected before the formal proceedings begin. Once the judge determines that the court is ready, the trial itself begins.

First are opening statements by the attorneys. The prosecuting attorney speaks first in a criminal trial, outlining the facts of the case that will be presented. The defense attorney may then give their opening statement.

Next come the witnesses for the prosecution, all of whom take an oath by which they swear to tell the truth. The prosecutor may also present physical evidence. The judge determines which statements and evidence can be considered by the jury. The defense attorney has the opportunity to cross-examine each witness and may challenge the admissibility of testimony and evidence. After all its witnesses and evidence are presented, the prosecution rests its case.

The defense is not required to present evidence, as the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. But if the defense attorney does present witnesses and evidence, the same procedures are followed in terms of cross-examination and admissibility.

Once both sides have presented all their witnesses and evidence, each attorney makes a closing argument. The judge then gives detailed instructions to the jury about what they can and cannot consider in reaching their verdict.

All parties to the case reconvene in the courtroom once the jury announces it has reached a verdict. If the verdict is not guilty, the defendant is released immediately. If the verdict is guilty, the judge sets another date for sentencing. The convicted defendant may be held in custody or may be released until sentencing.

The Sentencing

At this hearing, the judge listens to arguments from both the prosecution and the defense regarding what punishment they believe is reasonable. The judge then makes a determination and enters an order. The sentence could include fines, probation, community service, incarceration, or a combination of these. After this final phase, the court case is considered closed.

While the particulars of any specific trial will vary based on its unique circumstances, our court system in general follows standardized procedures that are designed to ensure everyone involved understands the rules. As one piece in a larger framework, the trial plays an important role in our nation's legal system. Understanding the basic process is not only interesting, but it may also come in handy if you or a loved one ever find yourselves inside a courtroom.