13.2 - Trials

In a civil trial, the party accusing someone of causing harm is the

• plaintiff.

• defendant.

• prosecutor.

• government.

Which of the following represents a difference between criminal trial courts and civil trial courts?

• Only criminal trial courts use a jury.

• Only civil trial courts hear cases involving payment for causing harm.

• Only criminal trial courts use a judge.

• Cases originate only in civil trial courts

The rights described in the Sixth Amendment are guaranteed through the use of

• judges.

• prosecutors.

• public defenders.

• grand juries.

A civil or criminal suit is brought in court against the

• public defender.

• plaintiff.

• perpetrator.

• defendant.

In a criminal trial, what party serves as the prosecutor?

• the lawyer for the defendant

• the lawyer for the plaintiff

• the judge

• the lawyer for the government

What is the role of the jury in a trial?

• to sentence individuals convicted of a crime

• to give a verdict based on the evidence presented

• to accept or reject plea bargains

• to indict but not determine guilt or innocence

How does an adversarial trial system differ from an inquisitorial trial system?

• In an adversarial system, juries can question witnesses.

• In an adversarial system, the judge can question the defendant.

• In an inquisitorial system, the judge gathers and presents evidence.

• In an inquisitorial system, juries are not used.

What is one reason why juries are important in the American legal system?

• The Constitution guarantees trial by jury.

• Juries decide all criminal cases.

• The Constitution states that people on trial have a right to a "jury of their peers."

• A jury is made up of diverse citizens from across the nation.

How are most criminal cases resolved?

• through a trial

• by a jury

• by a judge

• through a plea bargain

What is the role of a grand jury?

• to mediate pretrial agreements between defendants and plaintiffs

• to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring a person to trial

• to hear evidence and render a verdict in cases involving serious crimes, such as murder

• to hear cases involving people who cannot afford an attorney