The Defense Attorney is an advocate for the client. The client should be presented by the defense in the best possible light. While the defense attorney must zealously seek to help the client, it is important to never misrepresent the case.
To prepare the case, the Defense Attorney should be familiar with the aggravating and mitigating circumstances regarding the charge.
The Defense Attorney will stand when the Judge enters and leaves the courtroom. He will also stand when the jury enters and leaves the courtroom.
While the Prosecuting Attorney is questioning the defendant, the Defense Attorney may object if the prosecutor asks what seems to be an improper question. The Court will rule on the objection either by sustaining or by overruling the objection. The defendant is then required to answer or ignore the question.
The Defense Attorney should never argue with the opposing attorney but should address the bench (Judge) with necessary questions.
After the Prosecution has completed questioning the defendant, the Defense Attorney will stand and ask questions of the defendant that are designed to bring out mitigating factors in the case. These could be questions regarding the defendant's remorse or shame with this involvement in the offense, the fact that he has received some consequences at home for the behavior, or that he did not intend to become involved in this offense. These questions and the answers should justify the Defense's request for a lighter sentence than the one asked for by the prosecution.
After the Defense Attorney completes his questioning, he will rest the case. The Prosecution finishes closing argument, followed by the Defense Attorney's presentation of closing argument. The closing should be supported by evidence. The Defsnse Attorney can point out to the jury the facts which may influence them to consider a lighter sentence for his client.
Please remember to always return paperwork to the coordinator
at the end of each Teen Court session.
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