Courtroom Jargon

The team trying to prove that the defendant is guilty; sometimes has a plaintiff who is the person bringing the lawsuit against the defendant.

Prosecution

Defense

The team representing the defendant trying to prove their innocence. The defendant can be an individual or organization accused of a crime or being sued.

The prosecution and defense teams will each gather evidence (proof) to display for the judge and jury during the trial:

• documents

• videos

• witness statements

• objects
  

Witnesses, people who saw, heard, or know something important about the case will be called to give their testimony. They will testify, or speak under oath, to explain their useful knowledge surrounding the case.

Witness,
Testimony/Testify

​When a lawyer questions a witness they have intentionally called to support their case, knowing they have crucial information to reveal that the jury should hear

Direct Examination

​When the opposing team questions a witness called by the other side to ultimately question their credibility and make them sound untrustworthy in front of the jury

​​Cross Examination

​The Judge and Jury's Final Decision

After a period of deliberation (the process where the jury discusses all evidence and votes on a decision), the jury will share their verdict with the court.