How is the trial conducted in an adversarial system?

• A. The defense presents its case first, then the prosecution
• B. There is no cross-examination
• C. The judge oversees all questioning
• D. Prosecution presents its case with witnesses and evidence, followed by the defense with cross-examinations after each witness; then the defense presents its case with cross-examinations after each witness

Answer: (D)

In an adversarial system, trials unfold through contest between the two sides, each presenting its evidence and testing what the other side offers. The prosecution begins by presenting its case with witnesses and supporting evidence. After each witness testifies, the opposing side conducts cross-examination to probe credibility, highlight inconsistencies, and clarify statements. Then the defense presents its own case, calling its witnesses and presenting evidence, with the other side cross-examining each of those witnesses as well. This back-and-forth continues under the supervision of a neutral judge who rules on admissibility and objections, but does not direct the questioning itself. This structure—prosecution presenting first, followed by defense cross-examinations after each witness, then the defense presenting its own case with subsequent cross-examinations—is what characterizes the adversarial trial approach.