participants text

Task 2. Read the text and check your answers.

Outsiders It's now up to you and the other jurors to hear the case, meet with one another, and then determine a verdict. This is the role of the juror, the role you've been chosen to play as part of your duties as a citizen of the United States.

You're one of the outsiders, though, the nonprofessional members that are present in the courtroom, but who are not paid members of the work group, working on behalf of the trial. We'll talk more about those professional members later.

Other nonprofessional members include the spectators, like family and friends who watch the trial, and the press who may keep a record of the trial. Although press members are professionals themselves, they're not part of the professional work group since they do not serve the interests of the courtroom specifically.

Lay witnesses are also nonprofessional outsiders in the courtroom. These are members of the public who give testimony about the facts of the case under oath. Nonprofessional members of the court also include the interested parties who have a stake in the outcome of the case, such as the defendants and victims.

The victim is the person who alleges that the defendant committed a crime against him or her. The defendant is the person who has been accused of a crime. These participants may or may not also testify during the trial.

Professional Work Group As you look around the room, you notice the various judicial professionals taking their positions in the courtroom and a few who will wait their turn to participate. These are the people who are typically paid to be present as part of the legal process. Together they make up the professional courtroom work group.

Both the victim and the defendant have lawyers present. The prosecuting attorney represents the interests of the people and the victim, while the defense counsel represents the defendant's interests and defends his or her rights.

There's also the bailiff, a deputy who maintains security and order in the courtroom. For instance, if you suddenly start yelling in the courtroom and won't stop, the bailiff would be tasked with ushering you out, if necessary.

The court reporter will prepare for their role too as they get seated in front of some small equipment. The court reporter will record the events of the trial on this machine. This includes everything that is said and everything introduced into evidence.

Another type of record keeper is the clerk of the court, who maintains records of criminal cases such as motions and pleas. This person also prepares the jury pool and subpoenas witnesses.

Next, the judge is introduced and the trial begins. The judge is the person responsible for ensuring that justice is served by presiding over the case. This person will also weigh objections, determine if evidence is legal and admissible, and sentence offenders.

As the case proceeds, in addition to lay witnesses who are nonprofessionals, expert witnesses are also called to testify. These are the professionals who use their skills and experience to express opinions on the case within the scope of their expertise. In the current trial, an expert in hunting knives is called on to draw a conclusion about the likelihood that a particular type was used in the assault.

The trial continues, and you listen intently. You wonder how the case will turn out, and know you and many others present will play a role in its outcome.