Court Procedures

Trial Procedures
Pre-trial Conference - Attorneys meet with judge to identify and narrow issues to be tried.
Opening Statements - Attorneys outline case by identifying issues involved and facts to be proven.
Petitioner’s Case - Petitioner presents evidence to support claims.
Respondent’s Case - Respondent presents evidence to rebut the petitioner’s claims and makes claims.
Closing Arguments - Petitioner presents case before Respondent. Summary of main points.
Judgment - Judge usually takes from two to four weeks to review transcripts and file a ruling.

Order of Questioning
Direct Examination - The attorney who did the calling questions witness.
Cross Examination - Witness is questioned by opposing attorney.
Redirect Examination - Witness is questioned by the direct examiner.
Re-cross Examination - Witness is questioned by the cross examiner.

Evidence
1. Audiotapes   2. Books   3. Charts   4. Photographs   5. Police Reports   6. Videotapes

Witnesses
1. Character Witness   2. Expert Witness   3. Impeachment Witness   4. Ordinary Witness

Modification or Appeal
There are two avenues to pursue, if you feel that the court ruling was in error: modification or appeal. Remember, even if you feel that there was a error in the judgment, you still have to follow the original orders until there is a modification or the judge’s ruling is overturned by an appellate court.

Appeal Court
1. Affirm the Judgment   2. Dismiss the Appeal   3. Reverse the Judgment   4. Vacate the Judgment

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