MCPD Court Procedures:
This is a description of the roles, rules, and procedure of the Montgomery County 1st Circuit Court. This is subject to change.
Jobs:
-Judge: This is person who is hearing the case. This position can only be taken by SergeantTommyT (other administators may soon also be judges). They make the final ruling (unless there are enough people for a jury trial), sentencing, and are in charge of the trial basically. When he enters and leaves the room, everyone else must stand. The judge may find people in “contempt of court” and may put them in jail for disobeying his orders. They may deny/object motions and overrule or sustain objections made by lawyers.
-Lawyer: This is the person representing the accused person (defender) or the person trying to prove his guilt (prosecutor). Both must do their best even if they think they will not win. They will provide an opening statement (what you are trying to prove), question witnesses, and provide a closing statement. When questioning witnesses, a lawyer can object to the other’s question if they feel it is not relevant to the case, is leading the witness, is heresay, or is speculation. A prosecutor is trying to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty in a criminal case. A plaintiff is trying to prove that a defendant is liable for damages in a civil case.
-Witness: You must answer questions given to you by the lawyers.
-Defendant: This is the person on trial in a criminal trial. You may only answer questions given to you by the lawyers.
-Bailiff: You are a court security guard. You announce “All rise, court is now in session” when the judge enters the room and “All rise, court is now in recess” when he leaves. You must also arrest people found in contempt, escort prisoners, and follow all orders given to you by the judge.
Procedures:
The judge will ask both sides if they are ready.
The prosecutor/plaintiff gives their opening statement, followed by the defense/defendent.
The prosecution/plaintiff questions their witnesses, and they are then cross-examined by the defense/defendent.
The defense/defendent questions their witnesses, and they are then cross-examined by the prosecution/plaintiff.
The prosecution/plaintiff can call back any witnesses and question them.
The defense can call back any witnesses and question them.
The prosecution/plaintiff gives their closing statement, followed by the defense/defendant.
The judge makes a ruling.
Rules:
Spectators may not speak while court is in session.
You must request permission to approach the bench.
You may not talk out of turn.
Follow all orders given by the judge.
You may not swear.
Other rules may be added in a reply later.
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