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Letter T
civil procedure

Trial

A formal judicial proceeding in which evidence is presented to a judge or jury to determine the facts and reach a verdict.

Encyclopedia entry: Trial

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trial

A trial is a formal legal proceeding where legal claims are presented, evidence is examined, and witnesses are heard. It is overseen by a judge , jury , or other adjudicator who determines the guilt or innocence of a party in a criminal case or the outcome of a dispute in a civil case . Trials adhere to established legal procedures and rules of evidence, operating as an adversary proceeding in court.

[Last reviewed in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team
]

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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).

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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.