Trial FAQs

• Q: What Is a Court Reporter or Stenographer?
  A: A court reporter will transcribe, or write down, all testimony, arguments and rulings as they take place in the court room.  The document that they write is … More
• Q: What happens during a deposition?
  A: If you file a personal injury lawsuit, the attorney for the defendant will likely “depose” you or take your deposition.  A deposition is the process … More
• Q: Who Can Be A Judge?
  A: A judge is the person who presides over a court of law.  The judge has usually practiced law for a significant amount of time before being either elected or … More
• Q: Is There Always A Jury?
  A: No, in many cases there is no jury.  Cases that are tried before a judge without a jury is called a “bench trial.” Juries are usually found in … More
• Q: Can Anyone View A Trial?
  A: Generally yes, most trials are open to the public. This is because the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution establishes the right of the accused to a … More
• Q: What Is A Bench Trial?
  A: A bench trial is a trial that is conducted by a judge and there is usually no jury.  These are very common for civil lawsuits, but a criminal defendant can agree … More
• Q: What Can I Do If I Lose My Trial?
  A: If you lose your trial and there was an error in procedure, law or facts you may be able to appeal your case to a higher court. However, not every case may be … More
• Q: What Is A “Hung Jury?”
  A: A hung jury is a jury that has been unable to come to a verdict. The amount of votes in favor of a certain verdict depends upon the state and may even depend upon the … More