Key Players in the Courtroom

The individual accused of a crime, often represented by the defense counsel.

Responsible for recording the proceeding word for word.

Prosecutes criminal offences on behalf the society int best interest of the public.

Represents their client, often the accused. A defense lawyer may not support their client’s actions, but it is their job to provide a legal defense.

A scientist/expert in the field of study being questioned; they can present their opinion on the presented evidence when the trier of fact is unlikely to reach the correct inference on their own.

Acts as the evidentiary gatekeeper and a referee between the prosecution and defense; can act as trier of fact in certain cases. Responsible for interpreting the law in ambiguous situations and their interpretation is the law.

A group of individuals chosen through a formal selection process where the defense and prosecution pose questions to potential jurors.

Individuals presented as witnesses who first-hand experience/saw events pertaining to the incident.

Individuals of the public that are allowed to attend trials and view the proceedings; can comprise of family or friends of those involved in the case or individuals with no relation to the case.