Trials

The trial is a hearing during which the prosecuting attorney must convince the judge that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecuting attorney will attempt to show that you committed the offence charged, for example by:

• calling witnesses, including the victim, and  expert witnesses;
• presenting material evidence

You are not required to give evidence, or to present witnesses. However, you can do so in order to raise a reasonable doubt about your guilt. If you decide to give evidence, the prosecuting attorney will be able to cross-examine you. Both the prosecuting attorney and your defence lawyer can cross-examine the witnesses presented by the other party.

Once the evidence has been presented, your lawyer and the prosecuting attorney make their closing submissions. This stage in the trial gives them an opportunity to:

• highlight the key points in the case;
• present their arguments, based on legal reasoning, for your guilt or innocence.