Colorado POST Practice Exam

What is the first step in the order of court trial procedures?

1. Closing arguments

2. Opening statements

3. Jury selection

4. Defense's case presentation

The correct answer is: Jury selection

The first step in the order of court trial procedures is jury selection. This process is critical as it determines who will serve as jurors in the case. During jury selection, potential jurors are questioned by both the prosecution and the defense to evaluate their suitability and fairness in adjudicating the case. Selecting an impartial jury is essential to ensuring a fair trial, as jurors must be able to weigh the evidence presented during the trial without biases or preconceived notions. Following jury selection, the procedures progress with opening statements from both parties, which summarize their respective cases and outline what they intend to prove. Closing arguments happen later in the trial after both sides have presented their evidence and witnesses. The defense's case presentation is part of the trial's evidence stage and occurs after opening statements, so it does not precede jury selection. Each step in the trial process is designed to ensure justice and uphold the integrity of the legal system.