Colorado POST Practice Exam

What occurs immediately after the opening statement in a trial?

1. Closing arguments

2. State's case

3. Defendant's plea

4. Presenting witnesses for the defense

The correct answer is: State's case

After the opening statements in a trial, the next step is the presentation of evidence by the prosecution, which is referred to as the state's case. During this phase, the prosecution will present its evidence and witnesses to support its claims against the defendant. This consists primarily of calling witnesses to testify and presenting physical evidence, all aimed at establishing the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The state's case is crucial because it sets the foundation for the trial and allows the jury to assess the validity of the charges. It is the prosecution's opportunity to outline the facts and arguments that support their position. Following this, the defense will have the chance to counter the prosecution's evidence in their own case. The options regarding closing arguments, the defendant's plea, and presenting witnesses for the defense occur at different times during the trial process. Closing arguments happen after both sides have presented their case, the defendant's plea typically occurs before the trial begins, and presenting witnesses for the defense takes place after the state's case is concluded. Therefore, the sequence clearly places the state's case immediately after the opening statements.