A trial is a formal legal proceeding in which evidence is examined and witnesses are heard. It is overseen by a judge or jury, and operates according to established legal procedures.
In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove to a jury (or to the Judge in a bench trial) that the defendant committed the crime(s) beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense has the right to present witnesses and evidence to support their case.
The first part of a trial begins with opening statements by the attorneys for each side. These are simply an overview of what they intend to prove or disprove with their evidence. The plaintiff’s attorney goes first, then the defendant’s. After opening statements, the attorneys call witnesses to testify under oath about their experiences. The defense may ask questions during the testimony (called cross examination). Once the prosecutor and defense have called all their witnesses, they rest their case. The Judge then gives the jury instructions on how to decide the case based on the evidence presented.
Predators often use “lures,” like fake emergencies or unsolicited offers to help, to get close to their victims and judge their vulnerability. Being confident in your own skin can help deter an attack by showing that you are not an easy target. If you feel threatened, try to de-escalate the situation by getting away from the person and calling for help. If you are attacked, fight back or try to break free with a quick, decisive action such as tearing up your attacker’s clothing or grabbing their arm where the thumb and fingers meet.
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