How do prosecutors try to prove guilt? How do defendants try to disprove it? What kind of information is the prosecution and defense entitled to, and how do they introduce it at trial? This section answers these questions and others, taking an in-depth look at the way criminal trials take shape.
Hearsay is a verbal or written statement by someone to a witness who, while testifying in court, repeats the statement.
If done properly, trying to interview prosecution witnesses can be an effective investigation technique for the defense.
Discovery is the process through which defendants find out about the prosecution's case.
The government has a duty to preserve certain types of evidence it collects during criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Learn what determines whether a state or the federal government prosecutes a criminal case.
What makes a crime a crime?
Here are some common defenses that criminal defendants raise—innocence, alibi, self-defense, intoxication, insanity, and more.
There are two kinds of immunity. Learn when a witness can take the Fifth and what type of immunity a prosecutor might offer in exchange for their testimony.
Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.
Book
Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.
Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.
Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.
Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.
Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.
Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.
We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.
Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.
Grow your firm with Martindale-Nolo, the largest legal network, and learn more about our attorney lead-generation and marketing services.
At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.