Discovery Period
allows parties to marshal their evidence
Interrogatories
posed by each side to the opposing side
What is the standard order of events for criminal and civil trials?
discovery, trial, decision
This is filed BEFORE a trial.
initial motion in limine
Voir Dire
examination that determines individual suitability for randomly selected citizens to sit as jurors in a
case
Peremptory
dismisses a juror from further consideration without the challenging attorney having to tell the court
why
For Cause
attorney must inform the court why the juror is being challenged
This type of witnesses may be deposed only to give an opinion testimony.
expert witness
Opinion Testimony
admitted to the court only as an aid in understanding technical matters
This type of witness is NOT permitted to express their opinion, but are restricted to reciting facts only.
lay witness
Mitigating Circumstances
might lead to a "downward departure" from the standard sentence
Aggravating Circumstances
Might lead to an increase of the severity of the standard sentence
When a lawyer makes a specific reference to a prior case law, they are doing what?
citing precedents
If a jury is "deadlocked" the judge will declare a what?