Trial practice refers to the procedures and strategies employed by attorneys and other legal professionals during the preparation for and conduct during a trial. It encompasses all the activities involved in presenting a case in court, from pre-trial motions and discovery to the trial itself and post-trial motions.
Only a small percentage of legal disputes end up going to court. When a trial does occur, the procedural rules of the particular area of law will govern the expected conduct during the trial.
See:
- Criminal procedure
- Civil procedure
- Appellate procedure
- Legal ethics
There are also specific rules of conduct that concern trial practice in particular courts. Trial practice is governed by state law in state courts and federal law in federal courts.
[Last updated in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]