What happens in a regular criminal courtroom?

Answer 1

1. The charges are read.

2. Last minute motions may be filed by the litigants or the judge's own motion.

3. The prosecutor makes an opening statement.

4. The defense attorney makes an opening statement but may delay until the defense case begins.

5. The prosecutor presents and direct examines the 1st witness.

6. The defense attorney cross examines the witness.

7. The prosecutor may redirect examine the witness about issues brought up in cross.

8. The defense may then recross on issues brought up on redirect.

(This goes back and forth till both sides have no more questions.)

(Witnesses may be asked to introduce exhibits.)

9. The prosecutor presents the next witness and 5 through 8 repeats.

10. When all prosecution witnesses are finished the defense will usually motion for a directed verdict, saying there is insufficient evidence for conviction--usually denied.

11. The defense puts on its case, repeating steps 5 through 9 but with the roles reversed.

12. The prosecutor may make a brief initial closing argument.

13. The defense makes its closing argument.

14. The prosecutor makes a final closing argument (unlike TV and movies, the prosecution goes last as it has the burden of proof).

15. The judge instructs the jury.

16. The jury deliberates.

17. The jury renders it verdict.

18. The verdict is read.

19. If a conviction, the sentence is delivered, or it may be postponed pending a pre-sentencing report, else the defendant is released if not convicted.

(During the trial either side may make motions or objections. There are often sidebars where the attorneys approach the bench and speak to the judge so the jury doesn't overhear. The jury is often sent out so things can be addressed without their overhearing.)

Answer 2

The proceeding starts with an arrest, then: bond hearing, indictment or preliminary hearing, arraignment, discovery, motions, plea negotiaions, plea or trial, sentencing. Follow the related link below for details of the process.

Answer 3

1. The charges are read.

2. Last minute motions may be filed by the litigants or the judge's own motion.

3. The prosecutor makes an opening statement.

4. The defense attorney makes an opening statement but may delay until the defense case begins.

5. The prosecutor presents and direct examines the 1st witness.

6. The defense attorney cross examines the witness.

7. The prosecutor may redirect examine the witness about issues brought up in cross.

8. The defense may then recross on issues brought up on redirect.

(This goes back and forth till both sides have no more questions.)

(Witnesses may be asked to introduce exhibits.)

9. The prosecutor presents the next witness and 5 through 8 repeats.

10. When all prosecution witnesses are finished the defense will usually motion for a directed verdict, saying there is insufficient evidence for conviction--usually denied.

11. The defense puts on its case, repeating steps 5 through 9 but with the roles reversed.

12. The prosecutor may make a brief initial closing argument.

13. The defense makes its closing argument.

14. The prosecutor makes a final closing argument (unlike TV and movies, the prosecution goes last as it has the burden of proof).

15. The judge instructs the jury.

16. The jury deliberates.

17. The jury renders it verdict.

18. The verdict is read.

19. If a conviction, the sentence is delivered, or it may be postponed pending a pre-sentencing report, else the defendant is released if not convicted.

(During the trial either side may make motions or objections. There are often sidebars where the attorneys approach the bench and speak to the judge so the jury doesn't overhear. The jury is often sent out so things can be addressed without their overhearing.)

Ye man :-) :P

Answer 4

A judge decides whether someone is guilty or not in a court room based on evidence and hearings. A courtroom is an actual enclosed space in which a judge regularly holds court.