A trial is a court-supervised process where the facts are examined by a jury of citizens to decide whether someone committed a crime. The trial is conducted after the police investigate and collect evidence. The examining magistrate or judge acts as an inquisitor to direct the fact gathering process by questioning witnesses and analyzing evidence.
A successful trial outcome can create legal precedents that can benefit other injured parties in similar situations. It can also be an empowering experience for some victims as they have their day in court to tell their story and seek justice. It can also be an opportunity to make the responsible party publicly accountable for negligent behavior that led to the injury.
Thorough trial preparation is essential to building a case that can be persuasively presented in a court of law. This includes developing arguments against the other side’s story and identifying their weak points. It can also involve obtaining witness depositions and taped statements before the trial starts and creating a schedule for presenting evidence at trial.
A trial involves a lot of work for attorneys and their clients. The most effective way to navigate the trial process is with a skilled lawyer by your side. You can read many simplified guidebooks and instructional videos on how to conduct a trial yourself, but we highly recommend retaining a competent attorney. If you’re considering representing yourself, visit your local law library for help locating trial-specific books and instructional materials.