COURTROOM QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
How Court Trials Work,
Explained in Plain English
Explore the stages of a trial, understand the roles of judges and juries, and make sense of evidence, testimony, and court decisions. Start with the fundamentals or find an explanation for the question on your mind.
ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION
A Resource for Understanding, Not Representation
Trial Explained is an educational reading resource for people who want to understand court proceedings. Our purpose is to explain concepts and provide context — not to offer legal representation or advice about an individual case.
Plain-English explanations
Clear topic pathways
Educational purpose
What Would You Like to Understand?
Follow the trial process, explore how evidence is presented, or learn what happens when the court reaches a decision.
01
Trial Process
Get familiar with courtroom roles, common trial stages, and the differences between civil and criminal proceedings.
02
Evidence & Testimony
Learn about witnesses, exhibits, questioning, and the objections you may hear during a trial.
03
Verdicts & Appeals
Make sense of courtroom outcomes and the proceedings that may follow a trial.
TWO TYPES OF PROCEEDINGS
Civil and Criminal Trials:
Know the Difference
The type of case matters. Explore how civil and criminal proceedings differ in who brings the case, what must be proved, and the outcomes being considered.
CIVIL TRIALS
Resolving a dispute
A claim for a legal remedy.
Often involves money or other relief.
The applicable proof standard depends on the claim.
CRIMINAL TRIALS
Deciding a charge
A prosecution brought by the government.
Guilt must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
A conviction can lead to criminal penalties.
A LITTLE CONTEXT HELPS
Unfamiliar Word? Start Here.
Courtroom discussions can move quickly. Find approachable explanations of terms such as testimony, objection, motion, verdict, and judgment. Explore the related guides for more context.
testimony
objection
motion
verdict
judgment
Take a Closer Look
Explore guides that answer specific questions about trials, courtroom procedure, and legal terminology.
TRIAL PROCESS
How a Trial Works: A Beginner’s Guide to the Main Stages
Start with the roles and stages that help put a courtroom proceeding in context.
EVIDENCE & TESTIMONY
What Counts as Evidence in Court?
An introduction to testimony, exhibits, and the difference between a claim and admitted evidence.
VERDICTS & APPEALS
What Is an Appeal, and Is It a New Trial?
Understand the difference between deciding a case at trial and reviewing a court decision.