Replies

*Henrietta, The first part, #1 - 9...states the accusations..known information. The special notes are just comments, but not meant to be represented as facts so I can modify that title to reflect it. P. Henry's post can be used for what you suggested for sure, rubutted by defense, then countered by prosecution's side. That's a good idea Henrietta. It's not actually "old" info, it's info that the jury has to use, correct? So...I'll update that with the rebuttles etc. from various resources before I post it again. (using posts, testimony etc)

*bolthead (your handle cracks me up) yes, the prosecution has rested, but they can call rebuttle witnesses after the defense rests..if it's important to their case...the purpose is to clear up potential confusion caused by defense, and counter damage or misleading info/statements etc by the defense...the closing statements are important too.

You said: "by this point in the case I would expect to know:
(1) When and how that person kidnapped the victim.
(2) When and how that person murdered the victim.
(3) When and how that person disposed of the body. "

Just know, at risk of being misunderstood, I'm not being sarcastic at all. I don't think it's that simple in every case....if that were true, we wouldn't need a jury system would we? I know I've said this before, but what about those cases in which a body was never found, but the defendant got convicted? I don't think it's too late for the prosecution to connect some of the pieces together..

Kim,

Thanks for the post, I think your ideas are very sound. Thanks also for not taking my post as a slam or anything negative. I'm almost afraid to post to some who may have differing ideas than I do about this guilt/innocence thing because I don't want to start a snit war...Glad you didn't take it that way.

Sorry for the delay in responding. I stopped to eat (leftover pizza) while watching the bug guy (probably not the smartest idea).

When I wrote "by this point in the case" (and I probably should have said by this point in the trial) I was referring to after the Prosecution had presented its case in chief. As I understand it, that is when they are to present their primary evidence. So I would expect that we have now seen all the evidence that the Prosecution has. Correct me if I am wrong, but is it not a no-no for the Prosecution to save primary evidence to bring up during rebuttal?

So actually I think it should be that simple. The Prosecution should present to the jury all the evidence necessary for the jury to determine guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in their case in chief. The rebuttal would then be used to recapture jurors who have been swayed by the defense case.

My point was the Prosecution did not do its job in the case in chief.