Civil trials are undoubtedly intimidating, especially if you’re finding yourself in a courtroom for the first time. Understanding the stages of a civil trial can help you significantly in feeling prepared and confident, whether it be a case of personal injury, a contract dispute, or a property claim.
Under Idaho law, civil trials adhere to specific procedures which are governed by Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure. In this article, we will delve into these procedures, and we will explain to you what to expect from start to finish.
Before the Trial Begins
Before trial, most civil cases go through several steps, such as:
- Pleadings: Both sides will file documents which explain their claims, as well as their defenses.
- Discovery: Here, parties exchange information such as evidence and witness lists.
- Pretrial Motions: Lawyers can ask the court to either dismiss parts of the case or exclude certain evidence.
When a case doesn’t settle, it moves to trial. In Idaho, either side can request a jury trial under IRCP 38, however a lot of cases will proceed as bench trials decided by a judge.
Step 1: Jury Selection
When a jury is involved, the trial starts with jury selection, also known as voir dire. Attorneys will evaluate and question the potential jurors—in doing so, they determine if the jurors can be impartial and fair in the process.
Either side can excuse jurors “for cause”, or use peremptory challenges to remove a few of them, and they don’t have to state a reason.
Once all jurors have been chosen, they are sworn in, and the trial officially begins.
Step 2: Opening Statements
Attorneys on both sides will present an opening statement, in which they provide an overview of the case.
Since the plaintiff bears the burden of proof, they go first.
Opening statements are not arguments. They are simply an outline of what each side believes the available evidence will show.
This step helps the judge or jury understand the factual gist of the case before testimonies and presentations of evidence.
Step 3: Presentation of Evidence
This step is the heart of the trial. Each side will present their case in the following steps:
- The plaintiff’s case:
- The attorney on this side will present witnesses, documents, and expert testimony which they believe proves their claim.
- The defense will cross-examine witnesses to challenge evidence and credibility.
- The defense case:
- Here, they will offer witnesses, evidence, and rebuttals, all in attempt to counter the plaintiff’s version of events.
Throughout this process, attorneys can object if they believe there is any violation of rules, and the judge will immediately rule on whether the objection is valid. Once both sides finish, they have the option to file motions for judgment as a matter of law. This happens if they believe that the opposing side failed to meet their burden of proof.
Step 4: Closing Arguments
Once all the evidence has been presented, attorneys on both sides will deliver their closing arguments. They do so by summarizing the evidence and explaining how it supports what their side is arguing for. The plaintiff always speaks first, and they may offer a brief rebuttal.
Unlike the opening statements, closing statements are meant to be persuasive—they’re meant to ask the jury or judge to arrive to a specific verdict.
Step 5: Instructions and Deliberation
Before deliberation starts, the judge will read jury instructions which explain the laws which the jury must apply. Then:
- The jury is said to “retire” to deliberate in private.
- In Idaho, civil juries usually have to reach a unanimous verdict, unless both sides agree otherwise.
- In a bench trial, the judge will perform this function instead.
Deliberation can take hours, and sometimes even several days, depending on how complex the case is.
Step 6: Verdict and Judgment
When the jury comes to a decision, the verdict is read in court.
The judge will then enter a judgment based on the verdict under IRCP 58. The party which loses can file an appeal to a higher court, usually within 42 days per Idaho Appellate Rule 14.
If any damages are awarded, additional motions or collection actions may follow.
If you or a loved one is preparing for a civil trial in Idaho, it’s essential to have experienced legal representation by your side. At Bendell Law Firm PLLC, we are committed to protecting your rights in court.
Our seasoned attorneys will explain each step to you and build your case—you don’t have to face a civil trial alone. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you navigate this complex legal maze with confidence.