Donoghue v Stevenson

The Paisley Snail MiniTrial

6. Summary – the sequence of events during the trial

1. The Court convenes / assembles – the Judge is brought on to the bench.
   
   
2. The Pursuer’s Senior Counsel introduces the Case.
   
   
3. The Clerk of Court ballots the jury – chosen from those cited for jury service.
   
   
4. The Clerk reads the “The Proposed Issue for the Pursuer” to the jurors.
   
   
5. The Clerk administers the oath to the Jury.
   
   
6. The Judge outlines the procedure.
   
   
7. Junior Counsel for the Pursuer introduces the case for the Pursuer.
   
   
8. The witnesses give evidence.
   
   
9. The Judge puts each witness on Oath – to tell the truth.
   
   
10. The Pursuer’s evidence begins.
    
    Evidence-in-chief. Cross-examination. Re-examination?
    
    
11. Pursuer’s Junior Counsel reads “Joint Minute” etc. The Pursuer’s case closes.
    
    
12. The Defender’s case begins.
    
    Evidence-in-chief. Cross-examination. Re-examination?
    
    
13. Counsel for the Pursuer’s Speech to the Jury – asking the jury to answer the Proposed Issue “Yes” and to award damages.
    
    
14. The Defender’s Speech to the Jury – asking the jury to answer the Proposed Issue “No” and to award nothing or very little by way of damages.
    
    
15. The Judge’s Charge to the Jury – giving them directions in law.
    
    
16. The Jury Retire – to consider their verdict.
    
    
17. The Verdict.
    
    
18. Expenses and the question of a “Tender”.
    
    
19. The End. Feedback please.