A Courtroom Scene

Let us take a look at a typical courtroom scene to familiarize you with the people, the strange language and the actions. Seated on the bench is the Judge, who is responsible for the conduct of the trial according to laws of the Commonwealth. The Judge makes all decisions on questions of law, usually relating to objections to evidence or testimony. At the end of the case, the Judge makes what is known as the "charge" to the jury, which explains the law to be followed in the case.

Facing the Judge are the principal parties in the lawsuit with their attorneys. Seated closest to the jury box is the District Attorney, who represents the Commonwealth in a criminal case, or the plaintiff's attorney and the plaintiff in a civil case. In a criminal case, a person is being charged by the State with violation of a law. In a civil case, the plaintiff has filed to resolve or settle a private dispute or claim with another party. At a table next to the prosecuting or plaintiff's attorney is the defendant and his/her attorney the defense attorney. The defendant is the person charged with an offense in a criminal case or the party being sued in a civil case.

Other people involved in the courtroom setting include the
Deputy Sheriffs, who are present during all criminal trials, and the Court Officers, who swear in all witnesses and assist the Judge, jurors and attorneys to make the trial function smoothly. The Court Clerk, who sits immediately in front of or next to the Judge's bench, is responsible for all the papers filed during a trial, as well as orders made by the court and the verdict at the end of the trial. The official record of all that transpires at the trial is created simultaneously with the proceedings by an eight track, centralized audio tape recording system. If requested, a typewritten transcript can be made of the proceedings.

Finally, there are the jurors. Your work is as important to the court proceedings as that of the Judge who presides. It is necessary for the Judge and jury to cooperate in a common effort to assure the delivery of justice.