List and briefly summarize the stages in the criminal trial

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There are various stages in a criminal trial, including the following:

(1) Voir dire: the process by which attorneys for both sides question potential jurors.

(2) Opening statement: the point at which both sides have the opportunity to address the selected jurors before presenting evidence.

(3) Presenting the evidence: the time when the state and the defendant call witnesses and introduce exhibits to present their case, and cross-examine witnesses for the other side.

(4) Closing arguments: the time when both sides have the opportunity to persuade the jury of the conclusion they should reach from the evidence that was introduced.

(5) Instructions to jury: the time when the court reads the instructions on the law and other matters to the jury before the jury begins discussing the case.

(6) Jury deliberations: the time when the jury retires to the jury room to discuss the case, in private, amongst themselves.

(7) Jury verdict: the conclusion of the jurors, announced in open court.

(8) Judgment of the court: the court's final decision on the legal outcome of the case.