| A | B |
|---|
| closing argument | a speech made at trial after all the evidence has been presented by each party |
| cross examination | the opportunity to question any witness who testifies on behalf of any other party in civil or criminal cases |
| prosecution | in criminal law, the government attorney charging and trying the case against a person accused of a crime |
| defense | a response to a complaint |
| opening statement | a statement made by an attorney at the begining of a trial before evidence is introduced |
| evidence | the many types of information presented to a judge or jury designed to convince them of the truth or falsity of key facts |
| sustain | to agree with or rule in favor of a party in court |
| direct examination | at trial, the initial questioning of a party or witness by the side that called him/her to testify |
| verdict | a jury's decision after a trial which is final when accepted by the judge |
| hung jury | this results in a mistrial |
| acquittal | a verdict of not guilty |
| reasonable doubt | the standard of proof used in criminal trials to find a defendant guilty of a crime |
| arraignment | a court appearance in which the defendant is formally charged with a crime and asked to respond by entering a plea |
| discovery | a formal investigation that is conducted before trial by both parties |
| overrule | a trial judge's decision to reject a party's objection |
| preponderance of the evidence | the burden of proof required in a civil action to convince the court that a given proposition is true |
