Mock Trial Vocabulary

Plaintiff

• The person or party who brings a case against another in a court of law.

• The individual who defends against a lawsuit in court.

• A legal term for a witness in a trial.

• The judge presiding over a court case.

Deliberation

• The process by which a jury discusses the evidence and arguments to reach a verdict.

• A method of collecting evidence from witnesses.

• The act of making a decision without discussion.

• A formal statement of the law by a judge.

Prosecution

• The legal party responsible for presenting the case against the defendant in a criminal trial.

• The individual who defends the accused in a criminal trial.

• The judge who oversees the trial proceedings.

• The jury that decides the verdict in a criminal case.

Jury

• A group of people sworn to render a verdict in a trial based on the evidence presented.

• A legal document that outlines the charges against a defendant.

• A type of evidence presented in court to support a case.

• A person who represents the state in a criminal trial.

Testimony

• The statement or declaration of a witness under oath, usually in court.

• A written document submitted to the court.

• An informal discussion between parties involved in a case.

• A summary of evidence presented in a trial.

Verdict

• The decision made by the jury regarding the guilt or innocence of the defendant.

• A statement made by the judge before the trial begins.

• The process of selecting a jury for a trial.

• The final sentence given to a convicted criminal.

Defense

• The legal team representing the defendant, working to prove their innocence or mitigate the charges.

• A strategy used by the prosecution to strengthen their case against the defendant.

• The process of gathering evidence to support the plaintiff's claims.

• A legal term referring to the punishment given to a convicted individual.

Judge

• The official who presides over the court, ensuring the law is followed and ruling on legal questions.

• A person who defends the accused in a court of law.

• An individual who provides legal advice to clients.

• A member of the jury who decides the verdict.