Criminal Court Hearing MCQs

Who reads out the charges at the start of a criminal trial?

• The Judge

• The Prosecution Barrister

• The Court Clerk

• The Jury

What is the first thing the defendant must do when their case begins?

• Present their defence

• Enter a plea

• Call a witness

• Cross-examine a witness

What happens if a defendant pleads guilty at the arraignment?

• The trial continues as normal

• The case moves straight to sentencing

• The jury deliberates on a verdict

• The prosecution presents its case

Who presents their case first in a Crown Court trial?

• The Defence

• The Prosecution

• The Judge

• The Jury

What is the burden of proof in a criminal trial?

• Beyond reasonable doubt

• On the balance of probabilities

• Clear and convincing evidence

• Probable cause

What is the purpose of cross-examination?

• To challenge the credibility of a witness

• To support the prosecution’s case

• To summarise the trial’s key points

• To instruct the jury on the law

Which of the following is NOT a role of the judge?

• Deciding the verdict

• Summarising the evidence

• Instructing the jury on the law

• Determining the sentence if the defendant is found guilty

When does the defence present its case?

• After the prosecution has presented all its evidence

• Before the prosecution presents its case

• Before the jury is selected

• Before the judge summarises the evidence

Which of the following is true about the defendant’s testimony?

• The defendant must always take the stand

• The defendant is never allowed to testify

• The defendant may choose whether to testify

• The judge decides if the defendant should testify

What happens immediately after the defence and prosecution give their closing speeches?

• The jury deliberates

• The judge sums up the case and provides legal directions

• The prosecution presents more evidence

• The defendant gives a final statement