Which of the following is a procedural stage of a criminal trial?

Which of the following is a procedural stage of a criminal trial?

• A. Opening Statements
• B. Jury Selection
• C. Verdict
• D. Sentencing

Answer: (A)

Opening statements set the stage for the trial itself. They occur after the jury is sworn in and before any evidence is presented, with each side outlining their theory of the case and what they plan to prove. This helps structure how the trial will unfold and what the jury can expect to hear, without presenting actual evidence yet. Jury selection happens before the trial starts, during the pre-trial phase (voir dire). Verdict is the decision reached at the end of the trial after evidence has been heard. Sentencing occurs after a conviction.

Opening statements set the stage for the trial itself. They occur after the jury is sworn in and before any evidence is presented, with each side outlining their theory of the case and what they plan to prove. This helps structure how the trial will unfold and what the jury can expect to hear, without presenting actual evidence yet.

Jury selection happens before the trial starts, during the pre-trial phase (voir dire). Verdict is the decision reached at the end of the trial after evidence has been heard. Sentencing occurs after a conviction.