LI4801 – Techniques in Trial and Litigation
(EML1501) | Complete UNISA Law Exam
Preparation Guide, Case Study Applications, Past
Papers with Verified Answers, and Study Notes
[2025 Edition]
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of opening statements in a trial?
A) To present evidence
B) To summarize the case and outline arguments
C) To cross-examine witnesses
D) To deliver the verdict
Rationale: Opening statements provide both sides an opportunity to outline their case
and set the context for the evidence that will be presented.
Question 2:
What is the role of a judge in a trial?
A) To act as an advocate for one party
B) To ensure the trial is conducted fairly and according to the law
C) To decide the case without input from jurors
D) To provide legal representation to defendants
Rationale: The judge oversees the trial process and ensures it adheres to legal
standards.
Question 3:
Which of the following is NOT a standard phase in a trial?
A) Jury selection
B) Opening statements
C) Summary judgment
D) Closing arguments
Rationale: Summary judgment is a pre-trial motion, not a trial phase.
Question 4:
What is the primary function of cross-examination?
A) To present additional evidence
B) To challenge the credibility of a witness
C) To provide a summary of the case
D) To introduce new witnesses
,Rationale: Cross-examination aims to test the reliability and truthfulness of the
opposing party's witnesses.
Question 5:
What does "burden of proof" refer to in a trial?
A) The obligation to present a witness
B) The responsibility to prove allegations in court
C) The requirement to submit evidence
D) The duty to make opening statements
Rationale: The burden of proof is the party's duty to establish the truth of its claims in
the trial.
Question 6:
In a criminal trial, who represents the government?
A) The defendant
B) The prosecutor
C) The judge
D) The defense attorney
Rationale: The prosecutor represents the state and brings charges against the
defendant in a criminal case.
Question 7:
What is the purpose of jury instructions?
A) To summarize the case
B) To guide jurors on the law applicable to the case
C) To present evidence
D) To conduct the trial
Rationale: Jury instructions inform jurors of the legal standards they must use to reach
a verdict.
Question 8:
Which of the following is considered a type of evidence?
A) Testimonial evidence
B) Documentary evidence
C) Physical evidence
D) All of the above
,Rationale: All listed options are types of evidence that can be presented in a trial.
Question 9:
What is the purpose of a motion in limine?
A) To file an appeal
B) To exclude certain evidence from being presented at trial
C) To initiate a trial
D) To request a change of venue
Rationale: A motion in limine seeks to prevent prejudicial evidence from being
presented to the jury.
Question 10:
What role does the jury play in a trial?
A) To conduct the trial
B) To deliberate and reach a verdict
C) To provide legal advice
D) To represent one party
Rationale: The jury's primary function is to evaluate the evidence and come to a
conclusion regarding the case.
Question 11:
What does "direct examination" refer to?
A) Questioning the opposing party's witnesses
B) Questioning your own witnesses
C) Summarizing the case
D) Conducting jury selection
Rationale: Direct examination involves questioning one's own witnesses to establish
facts in the case.
Question 12:
What is a "settlement"?
A) A court verdict
B) An agreement reached by both parties before trial
C) A type of evidence
D) A jury instruction
, Rationale: A settlement is an agreement to resolve a dispute without proceeding to
trial.
Question 13:
Which of the following is a potential outcome of a trial?
A) Dismissal of charges
B) Verdict
C) Settlement
D) All of the above
Rationale: All listed options can occur as outcomes of a trial process.
Question 14:
What is the purpose of the discovery process?
A) To present evidence in court
B) To gather information and evidence from the opposing party
C) To deliver closing statements
D) To select a jury
Rationale: The discovery process allows both parties to collect evidence and
information to prepare for trial.
Question 15:
What is a "subpoena"?
A) A request for a settlement
B) A legal order to appear in court or produce evidence
C) A type of jury instruction
D) A motion to dismiss
Rationale: A subpoena compels a person to testify or produce documents relevant to a
case.
Question 16:
Which of the following describes "testimonial evidence"?
A) Documents presented in court
B) Statements made by witnesses under oath
C) Physical objects presented as evidence
D) Expert reports
(EML1501) | Complete UNISA Law Exam
Preparation Guide, Case Study Applications, Past
Papers with Verified Answers, and Study Notes
[2025 Edition]
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of opening statements in a trial?
A) To present evidence
B) To summarize the case and outline arguments
C) To cross-examine witnesses
D) To deliver the verdict
Rationale: Opening statements provide both sides an opportunity to outline their case
and set the context for the evidence that will be presented.
Question 2:
What is the role of a judge in a trial?
A) To act as an advocate for one party
B) To ensure the trial is conducted fairly and according to the law
C) To decide the case without input from jurors
D) To provide legal representation to defendants
Rationale: The judge oversees the trial process and ensures it adheres to legal
standards.
Question 3:
Which of the following is NOT a standard phase in a trial?
A) Jury selection
B) Opening statements
C) Summary judgment
D) Closing arguments
Rationale: Summary judgment is a pre-trial motion, not a trial phase.
Question 4:
What is the primary function of cross-examination?
A) To present additional evidence
B) To challenge the credibility of a witness
C) To provide a summary of the case
D) To introduce new witnesses
,Rationale: Cross-examination aims to test the reliability and truthfulness of the
opposing party's witnesses.
Question 5:
What does "burden of proof" refer to in a trial?
A) The obligation to present a witness
B) The responsibility to prove allegations in court
C) The requirement to submit evidence
D) The duty to make opening statements
Rationale: The burden of proof is the party's duty to establish the truth of its claims in
the trial.
Question 6:
In a criminal trial, who represents the government?
A) The defendant
B) The prosecutor
C) The judge
D) The defense attorney
Rationale: The prosecutor represents the state and brings charges against the
defendant in a criminal case.
Question 7:
What is the purpose of jury instructions?
A) To summarize the case
B) To guide jurors on the law applicable to the case
C) To present evidence
D) To conduct the trial
Rationale: Jury instructions inform jurors of the legal standards they must use to reach
a verdict.
Question 8:
Which of the following is considered a type of evidence?
A) Testimonial evidence
B) Documentary evidence
C) Physical evidence
D) All of the above
,Rationale: All listed options are types of evidence that can be presented in a trial.
Question 9:
What is the purpose of a motion in limine?
A) To file an appeal
B) To exclude certain evidence from being presented at trial
C) To initiate a trial
D) To request a change of venue
Rationale: A motion in limine seeks to prevent prejudicial evidence from being
presented to the jury.
Question 10:
What role does the jury play in a trial?
A) To conduct the trial
B) To deliberate and reach a verdict
C) To provide legal advice
D) To represent one party
Rationale: The jury's primary function is to evaluate the evidence and come to a
conclusion regarding the case.
Question 11:
What does "direct examination" refer to?
A) Questioning the opposing party's witnesses
B) Questioning your own witnesses
C) Summarizing the case
D) Conducting jury selection
Rationale: Direct examination involves questioning one's own witnesses to establish
facts in the case.
Question 12:
What is a "settlement"?
A) A court verdict
B) An agreement reached by both parties before trial
C) A type of evidence
D) A jury instruction
, Rationale: A settlement is an agreement to resolve a dispute without proceeding to
trial.
Question 13:
Which of the following is a potential outcome of a trial?
A) Dismissal of charges
B) Verdict
C) Settlement
D) All of the above
Rationale: All listed options can occur as outcomes of a trial process.
Question 14:
What is the purpose of the discovery process?
A) To present evidence in court
B) To gather information and evidence from the opposing party
C) To deliver closing statements
D) To select a jury
Rationale: The discovery process allows both parties to collect evidence and
information to prepare for trial.
Question 15:
What is a "subpoena"?
A) A request for a settlement
B) A legal order to appear in court or produce evidence
C) A type of jury instruction
D) A motion to dismiss
Rationale: A subpoena compels a person to testify or produce documents relevant to a
case.
Question 16:
Which of the following describes "testimonial evidence"?
A) Documents presented in court
B) Statements made by witnesses under oath
C) Physical objects presented as evidence
D) Expert reports
