THE TRIAL If the parties do not settle, the suit continues to trial. Most likely, a judge will decide the case. However, either side can ask for a jur
{"Image DocumentName": "The trial", "Image ImageDescription": "If the parties do not settle, the suit continues to trial. Most likely, a judge will decide the case. However, either side can ask for a jury to hear the case and decide who wins. Even when a jury is used, a judge presides over the case. He or she maintains order and ensures that both sides are treated equally under the law. The plaintiff presents his or her evidence first, followed by the defendant. Lawyers for each side have a chance to question the witnesses offered by the other side. When all the evidence has been presented, both sides summarize their case. Finally, the judge or jury issues a verdict, or decision, in favor of one party. If the defendant wins, the plaintiff gets nothing. In fact, he or she might have to pay the court costs. If the plaintiff wins and damages are involved, the judge or jury sets the amount of damages the defendant must pay. This may be less money than the plaintiff requested. In some cases, however, the judge or jury might award the plaintiff punitive damages. This is additional money the defendant must pay to punish him or her for bad conduct. Punitive damages are often awarded for intentional torts.", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}