Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam

What does a trier of law control during a courtroom proceeding?

1. The selection of witnesses

2. The admissibility of evidence

3. The verdict reached by the jury

4. The duration of the trial

The correct answer is: The admissibility of evidence

The trier of law, often referred to as the judge, plays a crucial role in courtroom proceedings, particularly regarding the admissibility of evidence. This function involves evaluating whether the evidence presented during a trial complies with legal standards and rules. The judge determines which evidence can be considered by the jury, ensuring that the trial adheres to established laws and procedural fairness. In this context, the judge's ability to exclude or include evidence can significantly impact the outcome of a case, as only admissible evidence can be used to establish facts in the case. This control is vital for maintaining the integrity of the legal process, as it prevents irrelevant, misleading, or prejudicial information from influencing the jury's decision. Other aspects mentioned in the choices involve different responsibilities. For instance, the selection of witnesses is typically managed by the attorneys involved in the case, as they decide which witnesses to call based on the relevance of their testimony. The verdict reached by the jury is the collective decision made by jurors based on the evidence presented, while the duration of the trial is often influenced by various factors, including the complexity of the case and scheduling issues, rather than controlled directly by the trier of law. Therefore, the judge's primary role in controlling admissibility marks a