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10.4 Prepare your Legal Argument

Recall in Chapter 9 we discussed what the steps in a trial were. 

Here’s a refresher:

  1. Opening statements (the Claimant/Applicant goes first)
  2. The Claimant calls witness and presents evidence
    • Respondent is given a chance to question these witnesses
  3. The Respondent calls witness and presents evidence
    • Claimant is given a chance to question these witnesses
  4. The Claimant and Respondent make closing statements
  5. The judge makes a decision

The Case Flowchart maps out the steps of a trial. Review it to understand where each part of a trial fits.

As you prepare for trial you will be preparing your arguments and what you will be saying in court. It is a good idea to prepare ahead of time your opening statement, questions for witnesses and your closing statements. We’ll discuss each in detail.

 

Case Flowchart

OPENING STATEMENT

-Claimant gives opening
-Respondent can give the opening here or after Claimant presents their case

 

CLAIMANT’S WITNESSESS

1. Direct examination by the Claimant
2. Cross-examination By Respondent
3. Re-examination (clarify evidence that arose on cross-examination) 

 

RESPONDENT’S OPENING STATEMENT
This is only if they have not already given an opening statement. 

 

RESPONDENT’S WITNESSESS

1. Direct examination by the Respondent
2. Cross-examination by Claimant
3. Re-examination (clarify evidence that arose on cross-examination 

 

CLOSING STATEMENTS

 Claimant gives closing statement
 Respondent gives closing statement

 

JUDGMENT AND ORDER