Comprehension

Task I. Agree or disagree with the following statements.

1. The bailiff is the person who puts down every word that is spoken during the trial and also may record the proceeding on tape.

2. Both prosecuting counsel and defence counsel make opening statements.

3. The purpose of opening statements is to present evidence of two types: physical evidence and testimony of witnesses.

4. The defence counsel is the first to make opening statements.

5. After the opening statements the prosecutor presents the evidence.

6. Most evidence at criminal trials takes the form of testimony of witnesses.

7. During the trial the lawyers may make objections to evidence presented by the other side.

8. It is up to the jury to decide whether each objection was valid or invalid.

9. The judge must always sustain the objection.

10. After the presentation of all the evidence, the judge instructs the jury.

11. Step number five is jury deliberation.

12. The lawyers in the closing arguments summarize the case from their point of view.

13. The jury retires to the jury room to make closing arguments.

14. The jury returns to the courtroom where the foreman presents the verdict.

15. After the verdict has been pronounced the judge discharges the jury from the case.

16. If the jury returns the verdict of conviction, the defendant is free to go.

17. If the jury returns the verdict of acquittal, the judge passes a sentence.

Task II. Answer the following questions on the text.

1. What are the stages of the trial?

2. How is the jury selected?

3. What is the purpose of opening statements?

4. Who is the first to make an opening statement?

5. What follows the opening statements?

6. What are the two types of evidence?

7. When do the lawyers make objections?

8. What does the judge do after an objection has been made?

9. What stage follows the presentation of the evidence?

10. What is the purpose of the judge's instructions?

11. What do the lawyers do in the closing arguments?

12. What is the final step of criminal trial?

13. What is the purpose of jury deliberations?

14. What happens after the verdict has been pronounced?

15. What are the possible steps after the trial?

Task III. Complete the following sentences translating the components in brackets.

1. The jury is selected (произвольно из списка избирателей).

2. After the trial begins the lawyers make (вступительную речь).

3. Both prosecuting counsel and (адвокат защиты) make opening statements.

4. The purpose of opening statements is to (предоставить фактические обстоятельства дела присяжным).

5. (Обвинение) is the first to make opening statements.

6. After the opening statements the prosecutor (представляет доказательства).

7. Most evidence at criminal trials takes the form of (свидетельских показаний).

8. During the trial the lawyers may (выдвинуть возражение) to evidence presented by the other side.

9. It is up to the judge to decide whether each objection was (правомерным или неправомерным).

10. The judge may (поддержать или отклонить возражение).

11. After the presentation of all the evidence, the judge (дает напутствие суду присяжных).

12. Step number five is (заключительное слово адвокатов).

13. The lawyers in the closing arguments summarize (дело) from their point of view.

14. The jury retires to the jury room (на совещание).

15. The jury returns to the courtroom where the foreman (объявляет вердикт).

16. After the verdict has been pronounced the judge (освобождает присяжных) from the case.

17. If the jury returns (оправдательный приговор), the defendant is free to go.

18. If the jury returns (обвинительный приговор), the judge passes a sentence.

Task IV. Complete the following sentences.

1. There are six stages in the trial. They are: _________.

2. The jury is selected ___________.

3. After the trial begins both the prosecuting counsel and the defence counsel _________.

4. The purpose of opening statements is to __________.

5. The prosecuting counsel is the first to ____________.

6. After the opening statements the prosecutor __________.

7. The purpose of opening statements is to __________.

8. Evidence at criminal trials takes the form of ___________.

9. During the trial the lawyers may ____________.

10. It is up to the judge to decide whether __________.

11. The judge may ___________.

12. If the objection is valid, the judge will ____________.

13. If the objection is not valid, the judge will ____________.

14. After the presentation of all the evidence, the judge __________.

15. The purpose of judge's instructions is to ____________.

16. Step number five is ____________.

17. The lawyers in the closing arguments __________.

18. After the instructions are read to the jury, the jurors ___________.

19. The purpose of jury deliberation is to ___________.

20. When a verdict has been reached ____________.

21. The jury returns to the courtroom where the foreman ___________.

22. After the verdict has been pronounced the judge ____________.

23. If the jury returns a verdict of acquittal, ____________.

24. If the jury returns a verdict of conviction, ____________.

Task V. Explain what the following means:

1. the jury;

2. physical evidence;

3. testimony;

4. credibility of testimony;

5. judge's instructions;

6. jury deliberation;

7. to cross-examine witnesses;

8. to make an objection.

Task VI. Give a summary of the text “The Stages of the Trial”.