Which of the following represent the order of the steps in a criminal trial?

Question

1) Trial initiation, jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, judge’s charge to the jury, jury deliberations, the verdict.

2) Trial initiation, opening statements, jury selection, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, judge’s charge to the jury, jury deliberations, the verdict.

3) Jury selection, trial initiation, opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, judge’s charge to the jury, jury deliberations, the verdict.

4) Trial initiation, judge’s charge to the jury, jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, jury deliberations, the verdict.

Answer 1

The correct order of the steps in a criminal trial is:

1. Trial initiation - This is when the trial is officially started, typically after pre-trial motions and other preparations.
2. Jury selection - The process of selecting jurors who will hear the case.
3. Opening statements - Both the prosecution and defense present their initial arguments and outline their case.
4. Presentation of evidence - Witnesses are called, and evidence is presented to support each side's arguments.
5. Closing arguments - Each side summarizes their case and argues for a specific outcome.
6. Judge’s charge to the jury - The judge provides instructions on the legal standards that the jury must consider when making their decision.
7. Jury deliberations - The jury discusses the case in private to reach a verdict.
8. The verdict - The jury delivers its decision regarding the defendant's guilt or innocence.

Therefore, the correct sequence that matches this order is:

1) Trial initiation, jury selection, opening statements, presentation of evidence, closing arguments, judge’s charge to the jury, jury deliberations, the verdict.