Understanding the International Criminal Court

59. How is the trial conducted? 

At trial, the Prosecution and Counsel for the Defence have the opportunity to present their case. The

Prosecution must present evidence to the Court to prove that the accused person is guilty beyond all

reasonable doubt. This evidence may be in the form of documents, other tangible objects, or witness

statements. The Prosecution must also disclose to the accused any evidence which may show that he

or she is innocent.

The Prosecution presents its case first and calls witnesses to testify. When the Prosecution has finished

examining each witness, the Counsel for the Defence is given the opportunity to also examine the

witness.

Once the Prosecution has presented all its evidence, it is the turn of the accused, with the assistance of

his or her counsel, to present his or her defence.

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