Colorado POST Practice Exam

What is the correct order of procedure in a courtroom trial?

1. Jury instruction, State's case, Closing statement

2. Opening statement, Jury selection, Defendants case

3. Jury selection, Opening statement, State's case

4. Closing statement, Jury instruction, Defendants case

The correct answer is: Jury selection, Opening statement, State's case

The correct order of procedure in a courtroom trial begins with jury selection, followed by the opening statement, and then the state’s case, which aligns with standard courtroom practices. Jury selection is the initial step, where potential jurors are chosen to serve on the jury, ensuring they can fairly evaluate the evidence presented during the trial. This is crucial for upholding the defendant's right to a fair trial. Following the selection of the jury, opening statements are made by both the prosecution and the defense. This phase allows each side to outline their case, present their theories, and provide the jury with a roadmap of what to expect during the trial. The opening statement sets the tone for the trial and helps jurors understand the context and significance of the evidence they will encounter. After opening statements, the state presents its case, which includes presenting evidence and calling witnesses to support the charges against the defendant. This part of the trial is vital as it constitutes the core of the prosecution's arguments and involves demonstrating the defendant’s guilt through various forms of evidence. Understanding this sequence is important because it reflects the structured nature of a courtroom trial, ensuring that both sides are given an equitable opportunity to present their arguments and evidence to the jury.