Order of Events at a Trial

There are two basic types of cases, criminal and civil (including family cases)

Criminal Cases:
A criminal case results when a person is accused of committing a crime.  You, as a juror must decide whether a person charged is guilty or not guilty.  The accused person is presumed innocent, and the State of Texas, represented by the District or County Attorney, must prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt".

Civil Cases:
A civil case results from a disagreement or dispute between two or more parties.  In a civil case, you, as a juror answer questions of disputed facts based upon the testimony and evidence admitted by the Judge.  The answers to these questions are called the verdict.

Jury Selection

How is a juror selected for a particular case?  The answer is provided for your information.

What is voir dire or questioning of the jury panel?

Opening Statements introduce the case to the jury.

Evidence consists of the testimony of witnesses and the exhibits allowed by the Judge.

The Judge may be asked to decide questions of law during the trial.

The Judge may submit to the jury the Charge of the Court.

Lawyers have the opportunity to summarize the evidence in their closing arguments.

The jury is sent to deliberate and return their verdict.

After you are discharged from jury service, you are released from the obligation of secrecy.