• Jury announces decision (or judge in a bench trial)After the jury completes deliberations, they return to the courtroom to announce their verdict. This is the official decision about who wins the case. The jury will explain whether they found…
• Jury discusses the case privately to reach a verdict After receiving instructions from the judge, the jury goes into a private room to begin deliberation. This is when the jurors talk through the evidence, witness testimony, and legal instructions…
• Judge instructs jury on the applicable law Once closing arguments are finished, the judge gives jury instructions—a set of legal directions that explain how the jury should evaluate the case. These instructions tell the jury what the law is,…
• Plaintiff goes first After all the evidence has been presented and both sides have rested their cases, the trial moves to closing arguments. This is each side’s opportunity to tie everything together and explain how the evidence supports their…
• Plaintiff may present rebuttal evidenceOnce both sides have finished presenting their main cases, the plaintiff may be given a final opportunity to respond to new points raised by the defense. This is called a rebuttal. In rebuttal, the plaintiff…
• Defendant presents their evidence and witnessesAfter the plaintiff rests their case, it’s the defendant’s turn to present their side—this is known as the defendant’s case-in-chief. During this phase, the defendant can introduce their own evidence to challenge the plaintiff’s…
• Defendant may move for a nonsuit if they believe the plaintiff has insufficient evidence. Defendant presents their evidence and witnesses.After the plaintiff finishes presenting their case, the defendant has the option to file a motion for nonsuit. This is…
• Plaintiff presents evidence and calls witnesses The case-in-chief is when the plaintiff presents their side of the story in full. This is the main opportunity for the plaintiff to offer evidence—such as documents, photos, contracts, or other records—and to…
• Plaintiff goes first The trial officially begins with opening statements. This is each side’s opportunity to tell the jury (or the judge in a bench trial) what they believe the evidence will show. The plaintiff—the person or party who…
• Jurors are questioned by the judge and attorneys In a jury trial, the first step is selecting a fair and impartial jury through a process called voir dire (pronounced “vwahr deer”). During this process, potential jurors are brought into…