ABA Family Legal Guide

How the Legal System Works

The Civil Trial: Step by Step

Trials

How do parties present their case?

The heart of the case is the presentation of evidence. In a civil case, the plaintiff begins the presentation of a case by calling witnesses. The witnesses may testify to matters of fact. They may also be called to identify documents, pictures, or other items introduced into evidence. The defense may cross-examine the plaintiff's witnesses.

After the plaintiff has finished calling witnesses, the defense puts on its case by calling witnesses, and the plaintiff will have the opportunity to cross-examine them.