Trial Procedures

The trial will begin with the lead attorneys from both sides (Cardinal Cajetan and Philip Melanchthon) issuing Opening Statements. The Opening Statement presents the respective opinions of the prosecution or defense in the case. The Opening Statements are brief (2-3 minutes) yet give sufficient background information and preview what the jury will see and hear from their side during the trial. The Opening Statement can also be used as an opportunity to discredit the opposition. Four (4) attorneys from each side will be responsible for questioning witnesses. They will need to write up a list of six (6) questions that reflect both their side in the case and their knowledge of the witness. Those attorneys need to determine in advance who they will question. Each of the eight (8) witnesses must be used. It is permissible to work with witnesses before the actual trial. You may also question a witness you hope to discredit by questioning his or her knowledge or reasoning. After the attorney finishes questioning a witness, the opponents, as a team, may cross-examine that witness. They are limited to two (2) questions. Following the questioning period, one attorney from both sides will issue a Closing Statement. Closing Statements summarize the case presented and reinforce to the jury the position of the prosecution or defense. Closing Statements refer to specific events in the trial (like a response by a certain witness). Those two attorneys need to keep good notes during the proceedings to ensure the Closing Statement accurately reflects the trial.
    The Judge, Emperor Charles V, is solely responsible for controlling the courtroom, ensuring the proper order of events is followed (by calling attorneys to make statements or calling witnesses to the stand and swearing them in, for example) and responding appropriately to objections from the attorneys. The Judge needs to read and take notes on the Witness Information Sheets prior to the trial and know the procedures for the trial.
    Witnesses need to work with attorneys that will question them and need to know their information in order to answer questions accurately and without notes. Information can be gathered from the Witness Information Sheets. Witnesses and attorneys also need to work together to determine what evidence needs to be introduced at the trial to help their case. Evidence will need to be brought to the trial on the trial date.
    Jury members will be responsible for determining the outcome of the case based on the evidence presented. Following the trial, they will type a two (2) page (double-spaced) article for a newspaper that accurately reports on the trial.