Articles Posted in Litigation Process

 Why do lawyers and the judge whisper between one another during a trial up by the judge’s bench?

Usually, they are discussing whether certain testimony or other evidence should be heard or seen by the jury. The law of evidence governs what jurors should hear and see during a trial. When the lawyers are trying to introduce evidence before a jury or keep the jury from hearing it the discussions of the evidence will often reveal what the evidence is. If the law says that the jury shouldn’t hear or see that evidence then it would be foolish to have the jury hear the discussion about the evidence. This type of conference is called a “side bar.” 

Sometimes, the judge will ask the jury to leave the courtroom during these discussions. This is called a “jury-out hearing.”

I have a lawsuit pending and a jury trial is scheduled for this summer.  I am nervous about it because I have never been in the courthouse before, much less sat in a trial.  What is going to happen?

We are written a Legal Guide that addresses that very issue. "Understanding What Happens at Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Trial" will give you a step-by-step explanation of every aspect of a civil jury trial.  

We hope this Guide gives you some peace of mind as you approach the date of your trial.  There is little doubt that going through a trial creates stress, but that stress should be reduced by the explanation of the process as set forth in our Guide.