The Trial

Abstract

The goal of the trial is to determine whether the accused person is guilty as charged. This requires a decision on the basis of evidence put before the court by the prosecution, and on the countervailing arguments of the defence. In the Crown Court, which tries indictable offences,¹ the presiding judge is educated in the law and has acquired considerable trial experience before being appointed to the bench. She regulates the proceedings, determines the admissibility of evidence, and ensures that the trial is conducted fairly. Following presentation of evidence by the prosecution and the response of the defendant, the judge sums up the case and charges a jury (whose members are randomly selected²) with the task of determining, on the facts of the case, whether the accused has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.