U3L2 Roles of Courtroom Participants

A group of citizens selected and sworn, according to law, to inquire about certain facts about the evidence presented to them

• Prosecutor

• Clerk

• Jury

• Lay Witness

• Court Reporter

The person against whom a criminal complaint or indictment is filed; the "accused"

• Victim

• Defendant

• Bailiff

• Prosecutor

• Lay Witness

A licensed trial lawyer, hired or appointed to conduct the legal defense of a person accused of a crime and to represent him or her before a court of law

• Prosecutor

• Defense Attorney

• Bailiff

• Clerk

• Expert Witness

An attorney whose official duty is to conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the state or the people against the accused of having committed criminal offenses; also called a District Attorney or State's Attorney

• Prosecutor

• Defense Attorney

• Court Reporter

• Clerk

• Bailiff

A person who has either suffered death or serious physical or mental suffering, or the loss of property resulting from actual or attempted criminal actions committed by others

• Bailiff

• Clerk

• Defendant

• Victim

• Lay Witness

A person who has special knowledge and skills recognized by the court as relevant to the determination of guilt or innocence; may express opinions or draw conclusions with their testimony.

• Expert Witness

• Law Witness

• Court Reporter

• Defense Attorney

• Prosecutor

An eyewitness, character witness, or other person called on to testify who is not considered an expert; must testify to facts only.

• Lay Witness

• Expert Witness

• Bailiff

• Defendant

• Victim

A court officer whose duties are to keep order in the courtroom, secure witnesses, maintain physical custody of the jury, and announce the entry of the judge

• Court Reporter

• Clerk

• Bailiff

• Victim

• Defendant

A stenographer who transcribes every spoken word during a trial; transcripts are necessary for appeal

• Clerk

• Court Reporter

• Victim

• Defendant

• Bailiff

A government employee who works directly with the trial judge and is responsible for court paperwork and records before and during the trial.

• Prosecutor

• Defense Attorney

• Clerk

• Court Reporter

• Bailiff