How does the trial look in the Inquisitorial system?

• A. The defense presents first, then the prosecution
• B. The jury decides after a single witness
• C. The judge goes piece by piece through the evidence, and after each piece, the prosecution and defense can ask questions
• D. The witnesses testify without any examination

Answer: (C)

Inquisitorial trials revolve around the judge taking an active, guiding role in investigating and weighing evidence. Rather than a rigid sequence where each side presents its case separately, the judge works through the evidence piece by piece, examining it and then allowing the prosecution and defense to question after each item. This keeps the process focused on the material facts the judge is evaluating and lets both sides probe the evidence as it is considered.

This approach is different from adversarial systems, where the parties largely control the presentation of their case and a jury or judge makes decisions based on that presentation. The other options don’t fit because one suggests the defense goes first, another envisions a jury deciding after a single witness, and another implies witnesses testify without any examination. Inquisitorial practice centers on the judge guiding the inquiry and allowing examination and questioning throughout the process.