Which normally comes first in a trial: jury charge or opening statement by the defendant?

Prepare for the Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) Test with engaging questions, detailed explanations, and helpful tips. Master the skills needed to excel as a shorthand reporter!

Multiple Choice

Which normally comes first in a trial: jury charge or opening statement by the defendant?

In a trial, the procedure typically follows a defined sequence designed to ensure that all parties present their cases clearly. The opening statement by the defendant usually comes first after the plaintiff’s opening statement. However, jury charge, which comprises the instructions given to the jury about the law they must apply during their deliberations, does not occur until after both sides have presented their cases, including opening statements, evidence, and closing arguments. The correct answer is that the jury charge indeed comes later in the trial process, after the defendant has made their opening statement and the case has reached the closing arguments from both sides. Understanding this sequence is crucial for legal professionals, including CSRs, as it is fundamental to courtroom procedure.

In a trial, the procedure typically follows a defined sequence designed to ensure that all parties present their cases clearly. The opening statement by the defendant usually comes first after the plaintiff’s opening statement. However, jury charge, which comprises the instructions given to the jury about the law they must apply during their deliberations, does not occur until after both sides have presented their cases, including opening statements, evidence, and closing arguments.

The correct answer is that the jury charge indeed comes later in the trial process, after the defendant has made their opening statement and the case has reached the closing arguments from both sides. Understanding this sequence is crucial for legal professionals, including CSRs, as it is fundamental to courtroom procedure.

More practice questions