What is the role of the personnel (judge, jury, prosecution, defence, witnesses) in a criminal trial?
Judge – to act as a sort of ‘referee’ and make sure the opposing advocates follow the laws of evidence etc. To decide on any points of law that might arise during the course of the trial – e.g. on the admissibility of evidence. To advise the jury in respect of the law, to sum up the facts for the jury, to sentence the accused if found guilty. Prosecution. To present to evidence for the crown/state, by outlining that evidence, then calling the witnesses for the prosecution, examining them in chief. Cross examining the defence witnesses Defence. To call witnesses for the defence and examine them in chief, cross examine the prosecution witnesses, to sum up the defence case at conclusion Jury. To decide guilt or innocence of the accused, on the facts and in accordance with the law as advised to them by the Judge Witnesses to give evidence of facts only known to them in respect of the matter with which the accused stands charged.
