The legal process whereby the evidence presented in court is scrutinized and a verdict is determined. During this process, the judge and jury can determine whether a defendant is guilty of committing a crime or not. If a person is convicted, the trial may lead to punishment or probation.
An initial hearing at which the judge reviews arrest and post-arrest investigation reports, advises the defendant of the charges filed, and considers whether a defendant should be held in jail until trial. At this hearing, the prosecutor and defense attorneys can discuss how to resolve the case without trial through a plea bargain.
After a jury has been selected, opening statements are made by the prosecution and defense attorney to introduce to the jurors their view of the case’s facts. The prosecutor then begins direct examination of the first witness, and the defense attorney can cross examine the witness to try to create doubt as to the witness’s credibility.
When the prosecution has finished questioning a witness, the defense attorney can make closing arguments to sum up the case from their viewpoint. The judge then gives the jury instructions, and the jurors begin deliberating on their decision. If the jury finds the defendant guilty, they will notify the judge and lawyers in open court. If the jury finds the defendant not guilty, they will notify the judge and lawyers that they have reached a unanimous verdict. The judge will then read the verdict in open court.