What Happens At A Trial?
In Cook County, a Judge presides over the presentation of evidence, arguments, and objections but the Trier of Facts is a Twelve Person Jury. A Venire is a large group of prospective jurors who are questioned by the Judge, and usually the attorneys, to determine their impartiality to hear the particular case. Trials begin with Opening Statements by the lawyers (Plaintiff goes first in argument and presentation of his Case in Chief). After the Plaintiff rests his case, the defense presents its evidence, and the afterwards, both sides give Closing Argument, summarizing the evidence in a light most favorable to themselves. The Court then provides Instructions (the law) which the jury must apply to the evidence to render a unanimous verdict. A foreman is selected to oversee the secret deliberations of the jury, who are given enough time by The Court to render a verdict. Each side may appeal the verdict to the Appellate Court, which could take over a year or more.
Appeals challenge the rulings of the Court, not the jury's verdict itself, arguing that the proceedings were unfair or contrary to legal precedent.
Appeals challenge the rulings of the Court, not the jury's verdict itself, arguing that the proceedings were unfair or contrary to legal precedent.
