Order of Trial

Category: Criminal Procedure

WHAT IS THE ORDER OF TRIAL?

1.    The prosecution shall present evidence to prove the charge and, in the proper case, the civil liability.

2.    The  accused  may  present  evidence  to  prove  his  defense  and damages,  if  any,  arising,  from  the  issuance  of  a  provisional remedy in the case.

3.    The  prosecution  and  the  defense  may,  in  that  order,  present rebuttal and sur-rebuttal evidence unless the court, in furtherance of  justice,  permits  them  to  present  additional  evidence  bearing
upon the main issue.

4.    Upon  admission  of  evidence  of  the  parties,  the  case  shall  be deemed  submitted  for  decision  unless  the  court  directs  them  to argue orally or to submit written memoranda.

5.    When  the  accused  admits  the  act  or  omission  charged  in  the complaint  or  information  but  interposes  a  lawful  defense,  the order of trial may be modified.
 

WHY DOES THE TRIAL BEGIN WITH THE PROSECUTION?

     Prosecution begins because it has the burden of proving the guilt of the accused relying on the strength of its own evidence and not on the weakness of the defense
 

WHAT  IF  THERE  IS  NOT  ENOUGH  EVIDENCE  TO  PROVE  GUILT BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT?

     If  there  is  not  enough  evidence  to  prove  the  accused’s  guilt beyond reasonable doubt, then the defense should file a demurrer to  evidence.    The  accused  need  not  present  evidence  on  his
behalf.

     Unless  there  is  a  reverse  trial,  there  is  no  need  to  prove  the commission of the offense because the crime is admitted 

Sec.  11.  Order  of  trial.  –  The  trial  shall  proceed  in  the  following order:
 
(a) The prosecution shall present evidence to prove the charge and, in the proper case, the civil liability.
 
(b)  The  accused  may  present  evidence  to  prove  his  defense  and damages, if any, arising, from the issuance of a provisional remedy in the case.
 
(c)  The  prosecution  and  the  defense  may,  in  that  order,  present rebuttal and sur-rebuttal evidence unless the court, in furtherance of  justice,  permits  them  to  present  additional  evidence  bearing
upon the main issue.

(d)  Upon  admission  of  evidence  of  the  parties,  the  case  shall  be deemed  submitted  for  decision  unless  the  court  directs  them  to argue orally or to submit written memoranda.
 
(e)  When  the  accused  admits  the  act  or  omission  charged  in  the complaint or information but interposes a lawful defense, the order of trial may be modified.