During the trial process, the fact finder (either a judge or a jury) decides whether a person is guilty of a crime. This is accomplished by presenting evidence that proves the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
To do this, the prosecution presents witnesses and physical evidence such as photographs, videos, or tangible objects. The defense can then cross-examine these witnesses to question their credibility and strengthen their argument. If a witness makes false claims while under oath, they can be charged with perjury, which is itself a criminal offense.
In addition, the defense can present expert witness testimony if necessary to provide additional explanation of a complicated aspect of the case. The plaintiff may also choose to make opening statements and introduce pleadings filed in the case. In some cases, the judge will want to hear these presentations as well.
Once all the evidence has been presented, both sides give their closing arguments to the jury. The plaintiff’s attorney will speak first, followed by the defendant’s attorney. In some instances, the prosecutor will offer a brief rebuttal argument.
Enrolling enough patients within the required timelines is one of the most challenging tasks for clinical trials. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including low response rates from potential participants and unreliable patient recruitment companies. To overcome this challenge, it’s important to diversify recruitment channels early on and work with patient recruitment agencies that are equipped to handle a wide range of study needs.