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• Prosecutor gives an opening statement to outline his case and evidence to the jury;

• Defense may give a similar opening statement, or wait until the beginning of his/her defense in the trial;

• Prosecutor calls his witnesses, which the defense may cross examine;

• Prosecutor rests;

• Defense may call witnesses, if it wants, and the prosecutor may cross-examine them;

• Defense rests;

• Each side may present "rebuttal" witnesses/evidence to challenge evidence presented;

• Each side rests;

• Prosecutor presents a closing argument to the jury;

• Defense presents a closing argument to the jury;

• Prosecutor may present a rebuttal argument to the jury to respond to the defense closing argument;

• The judge gives the jury detailed legal instructions about the charged crimes, the deliberation process, and other applicable laws.

• Jury deliberates and returns a verdict. 

Anatomy of a Prosecution

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