Trials are some of the most dramatic events in law. Television viewers tune in almost every night to see depictions of civil and criminal trials. There is something electric about that moment when the bailiff steps into the courtroom and announces, "The jury has a verdict!" At that moment, everything seems to kick into high gear. The judge returns to the bench. The jury returns to the jury box. The parties return to the courtroom and take their seats. It is time for the jury to announce its verdict. This is the moment when the parties find out if all of their hard work has paid off.

Trial work is stressful for everyone involved. Witnesses are scared about testifying. Attorneys, even those who have being doing trial work for years, are usually tense and nervous before a trial starts. Paralegals who may have been working in the field for years will also be anxious both before and during the trial.

In this chapter, we examine the various phases of a trial and emphasize the paralegal's increasingly vital role in helping prepare for and participate in the presentation of a civil case. We also note that as a paralegal, you may be the main contact point for clients and witnesses who need information about the trial, including when they are scheduled to testify and how they should act when they are on the witness stand.

After reading this chapter, you will be able to:

Explain the role of the trial paralegal.

Discuss how the case file is organized prior to trial.

Explain the function of the trial notebook.

Discuss the ethical concerns involved in preparing witnesses to testify.

Describe the various phases of a civil trial.

Explain the difference between direct and cross-examination.

Discuss the importance of the charge conference.

Explain the role of suggested pattern jury instructions.

Describe the process through which a jury determines its verdict.