In most states, court rules either state wide, federal or local grant trial judges the discretion to regulate the time of closing arguments as they see fit.

• What is the order of argument with respect to closing arguments?
• What does each side hope to accomplish with closing arguments?
• What happens in the closing argument phase?
• After the prosecution finishes its case, can the defense immediately file for dismissal?
• During the prosecution’s case, is there a chance at cross-examination?
• What happens at the start of a criminal trial?
• What are jury consultants?
• Can a judge declare a mistrial?
• Must a criminal defendant testify on behalf of himself or herself?
• How do criminal trials proceed?
• Can a court use an anonymous jury?
• Can judges sequester juries?
• Do jury verdicts have to be unanimous?
• Who was the defendant Ballew?
• Can a state conduct a criminal trial with only five jurors?
• Do trial juries have to be composed of 12 jurors?
• Are there an unlimited number of peremptory challenges?
• What is a Batson challenge?
• What is voir dire?
• Can a defendant waive his or her right to a jury?