Crown Court Trials often begin with the jury being sworn. 12 People from a panel will be selected at random to form the jury that will hear the case. The jury decide the facts of the case and the Judge directs them on the law. Once the jury is sworn in the prosecution will present their case. They will start with an opening speech to the jury outlining what the case is about and what evidence they intend to call to prove their case. They will then call each of their witnesses. If there is a witness whose evidence is in dispute , then they will be called to give live evidence and they will be cross examined by your barrister. If a witness gives evidence which is not disputed it is likely their statement will be read to the jury. Once the prosecution have called all their evidence , if we feel that the prosecution have not proved their case we can make a submission to the Judge that there is no case to answer and the case should not proceed . If the Judge agrees the case will stop and the jury will be directed to return not guilty verdicts in the case. If the Judge disagrees the defence case will start. This is where you have the opportunity to give evidence and call any witnesses in support of the defence case. Once all evidence has been called the prosecution barrister and your defence barrister will make closing speeches to the jury. The Judge will then direct the jury on the law and provide a summing up of the evidence that has been heard. The jury will then retire to consider their verdicts.