Trial Proceedings

At a trial
~ Whatever format you decide on, make sure you lay it out clearly for the participants and the observers at the start.
~ I often add, that emotes that express information may be treated as spoken, and persistent outbursts may result in expulsion or worse.
~Firstly the prosecution reads the charge and makes their opening statement.
~ Then defense makes their opening statement which would usually include a plea to the charge.
~ Next the first prosecution witness followed by a chance for defense to cross examine. This process continues until prosecution is finished.
~ Then defense may call any witnesses the prosecutor has yet not called and prosecution can cross examine.
 ~ This is followed by  the prosecution summing up and then defense sums up. Basically outlining the key points they have made.
~ Now it is time for the verdict, and if needed the sentence.
~ There is no guidance in the books so feel free to change it if you think you have a better system. You will find in most trials that time is a factor. Try not to let things drag on. Really 2 -3 hours is about as much as anyone can stand.
~Lady Jan