ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered the first step in a trial?

1. Jury selection

2. Opening statements

3. Cross-examination

4. Closing arguments

The correct answer is: Jury selection

Jury selection is indeed recognized as the initial step in a trial process. This critical phase involves selecting a group of jurors who will hear the case and render a verdict. During jury selection, potential jurors are questioned to establish their suitability for serving on the jury, ensuring that they can remain impartial and fair in their judgment. This process is foundational, as it directly influences the trial's integrity and the defendant's right to a fair trial. An effective jury contributes significantly to the overall outcome of the trial, as their decision will be based on the evidence and arguments presented during the trial. Engaging the right jurors who can objectively assess the information is crucial before any substantive legal discussions, such as opening statements, begin. The other choices—opening statements, cross-examination, and closing arguments—occur later in the trial. Opening statements introduce the jury to the case's context and what each side intends to prove. Cross-examination happens after witnesses have testified, allowing each side to challenge the other's evidence. Closing arguments summarize the evidence and persuade the jury before they deliberate. Thus, jury selection is definitively the first step in the trial process.