1. Criminal and Civil Cases
Getting Ready For Your Mock Trial

2. Settling Disputes Court is last resort Litigation Arbitration
Mediation
Negotiation
Litigation

3. Example of Courtroom Layout

4. Roles in Trial Plaintiff Court Reporter Defendant Jury
Prosecuting Attorney
Defense Attorney
Court Clerk
Bailiff
Court Reporter
Jury
Witness

5. Aspects of a Trial Trial Brief Opening Statement Closing Statement
Questioning of Witnesses
Direct Testimony
Re-Direct
Cross-Examination

6. Testimony vs. Asking Questions
Only statements answered under oath are considered evidence.

7. Evidence Testimony Documents Physical Evidence Expert Testimony
Rules of Evidence

8. Offer of Proof
Subpoena
Exhibit
Objections

9. Burden of Proof Civil Case – Preponderance of Evidence
Criminal Case – Beyond Reasonable Doubt

10. Standard Objections Irrelevant Evidence Leading Questions Hearsay
Lack of Personal Knowledge
Opinion
Argumentative Question
Speculation

11. Tasks for the prosecution team are
• opening statement
• direct examination (prosecution witnesses)
• cross-examination (defense witnesses)
• closing argument
Tasks for the defense team are
• cross-examination (prosecution witnesses)
• direct examination (defense witnesses)