The Parties :

May be present at the counsel tables with their lawyers during trial .

Types of parties:

• Plaintiffs- (those who are suing in the civil case )

• Defendants - (those being sued in civil case or accused in criminal case)

 

Witnesses:

Give testimony about the facts/issues in the case .

During testimony , they sit on witness stand , facing the courtroom .

Types of witnesses:

• Plaintiff witness

• Government witness

• Defense witness

 

Lawyers:

In the courtroom , the lawyer for each party will be sitting either at the counsel table near the bench or be speaking to the  judge/jury/witness.

Each lawyer’s task is to bring out his/her client’s fact in most favorable light , but to do so using legal procedures.

Types of lawyers :

1.Criminal case:

• Prosecutor- (the government's lawyer) an assistant district/ GF attorney

Criminal defendants may use:

• Public defender (provided by the municipality)

• A lawyer appointed by the court

• A private attorney (hired by the defendant )

2.Civil case:

A private lawyer - parties wanting a lawyer to represent them must hire their own lawyers.

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Judge :

The highest rank.Sits on a elevated platform. Has 5 basic tasks:

• See that order is maintained at court .

• Determine whether any of the evidence parties want to use is improper/illegal.

• In jury trials: before the discussion begins, give the jury instructions about the law applying to the case .

• In “bench” trials ( no jury) determine the facts and decide the case

• Sentence convicted criminal defendants

 

Jury:

A group of people sitting in the boxed in area on one side of the room.

Their tasks are:

• Decide the facts in the case, and to apply the law on which the judge has instructed it in order to reach a verdict.

• In cases where the evidence conflicts, it's the jury's job to decide what really happened.

For example, in a criminal case, the jury might listen to the testimony of a witness who claims she saw the defendant commit the crime and then listen to the testimony of the defendant's friend, who claims the defendant was with him in another part of town when the crime was committed. It's the jurors' job to decide who is telling the truth.

 

Court Reporter:

Sits near the witness stand in the courtroom. It’s main tasks are:

• Record everything that is said during the trial (or introduced into evidence) by typing it on a stenographic machine or by making an electronic sound recording. This becomes the official record of the trial.

• Produce a written transcript of the proceedings if either party appeals the case or requests a transcript.

• Court reporters don't work only in the courtroom. They also record depositions in attorneys' offices and some conferences in judges' chambers.

 

Courtroom Clerk (or courtroom deputy):

Usually seated in the courtroom near the judge.

The courtroom clerk administers oaths to witnesses and interpreters, takes care of records and exhibits, keeps minutes of proceedings, prepares judgment and verdict forms, and generally helps the judge keep the trial running smoothly. The courtroom deputy is usually employed by the office of the clerk of court.