Fall Semester 2025 UNISA Assignment: TLI4801 / EML1501 Techniques in
Trial and Litigation – Complete Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step
Answers and Exam-Focused Study Guide (Updated 2025 Edition)
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of a pre-trial conference?
A) To select a jury
B) To assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case
C) To deliver the final verdict
D) To present evidence
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case
Rationale: A pre-trial conference allows parties to evaluate their positions, discuss
settlement possibilities, and streamline issues for trial.
Question 2:
Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence typically presented in court?
A) Testimonial Evidence
B) Circumstantial Evidence
C) Personal Opinion
D) Documentary Evidence
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Personal Opinion
Rationale: Personal opinion is subjective and does not meet the standards of
evidentiary rules governing admissible evidence.
Question 3:
What is the role of a judge in a trial?
A) To represent one of the parties
B) To oversee the trial process and ensure justice is served
C) To provide legal advice to the jury
D) To make decisions on behalf of the jury
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To oversee the trial process and ensure justice is served
Rationale: The judge's role is to facilitate the legal process, ensuring that rules are
followed and the rights of all parties are protected.
Question 4:
In a criminal trial, who has the burden of proof?
,Fall Semester 2025 UNISA Assignment: TLI4801 / EML1501 Techniques in
Trial and Litigation – Complete Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step
Answers and Exam-Focused Study Guide (Updated 2025 Edition)
A) The defendant
B) The prosecution
C) The judge
D) The jury
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The prosecution
Rationale: In a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt "beyond
a reasonable doubt."
Question 5:
What is the purpose of cross-examination?
A) To validate a witness's testimony
B) To introduce new evidence
C) To challenge the credibility and reliability of the witness
D) To summarize the case
CORRECT ANSWER: C) To challenge the credibility and reliability of the witness
Rationale: Cross-examination allows the opposing party to test the witness's
statements and highlight inconsistencies.
Question 6:
Which document initiates a civil lawsuit?
A) Summons
B) Complaint
C) Answer
D) Motion
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Complaint
Rationale: The complaint outlines the plaintiff's claims and is the first formal document
filed in a civil lawsuit, initiating the legal process.
Question 7:
What is an affidavit?
A) A set of rules governing court procedures
B) A written statement confirmed by oath
C) A legal representation of facts in a case
D) A document presenting evidence in court
, Fall Semester 2025 UNISA Assignment: TLI4801 / EML1501 Techniques in
Trial and Litigation – Complete Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step
Answers and Exam-Focused Study Guide (Updated 2025 Edition)
CORRECT ANSWER: B) A written statement confirmed by oath
Rationale: An affidavit is a voluntary, sworn written statement made under oath, often
used to present evidence in court.
Question 8:
What does 'discovery' refer to in litigation?
A) The trial phase where evidence is presented
B) The process of gathering information and evidence before trial
C) The final judgment of the court
D) The jury's deliberation process
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The process of gathering information and evidence before
trial
Rationale: Discovery is a pre-trial procedure where parties exchange relevant
information, facilitating a fair trial.
Question 9:
Who typically serves as the trier of fact in a bench trial?
A) The jury
B) The judge
C) The plaintiff
D) The defendant
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The judge
Rationale: In a bench trial, the judge is responsible for determining the facts of the case
rather than the jury.
Question 10:
What does the term 'burden of proof' mean?
A) The obligation to present evidence
B) The responsibility to follow court protocols
C) The need for a lawyer’s representation
D) The requirement to comply with deadlines
CORRECT ANSWER: A) The obligation to present evidence
Rationale: The burden of proof refers to the duty of a party to prove their allegations in
court through credible evidence.
Trial and Litigation – Complete Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step
Answers and Exam-Focused Study Guide (Updated 2025 Edition)
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of a pre-trial conference?
A) To select a jury
B) To assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case
C) To deliver the final verdict
D) To present evidence
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case
Rationale: A pre-trial conference allows parties to evaluate their positions, discuss
settlement possibilities, and streamline issues for trial.
Question 2:
Which of the following is NOT a type of evidence typically presented in court?
A) Testimonial Evidence
B) Circumstantial Evidence
C) Personal Opinion
D) Documentary Evidence
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Personal Opinion
Rationale: Personal opinion is subjective and does not meet the standards of
evidentiary rules governing admissible evidence.
Question 3:
What is the role of a judge in a trial?
A) To represent one of the parties
B) To oversee the trial process and ensure justice is served
C) To provide legal advice to the jury
D) To make decisions on behalf of the jury
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To oversee the trial process and ensure justice is served
Rationale: The judge's role is to facilitate the legal process, ensuring that rules are
followed and the rights of all parties are protected.
Question 4:
In a criminal trial, who has the burden of proof?
,Fall Semester 2025 UNISA Assignment: TLI4801 / EML1501 Techniques in
Trial and Litigation – Complete Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step
Answers and Exam-Focused Study Guide (Updated 2025 Edition)
A) The defendant
B) The prosecution
C) The judge
D) The jury
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The prosecution
Rationale: In a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt "beyond
a reasonable doubt."
Question 5:
What is the purpose of cross-examination?
A) To validate a witness's testimony
B) To introduce new evidence
C) To challenge the credibility and reliability of the witness
D) To summarize the case
CORRECT ANSWER: C) To challenge the credibility and reliability of the witness
Rationale: Cross-examination allows the opposing party to test the witness's
statements and highlight inconsistencies.
Question 6:
Which document initiates a civil lawsuit?
A) Summons
B) Complaint
C) Answer
D) Motion
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Complaint
Rationale: The complaint outlines the plaintiff's claims and is the first formal document
filed in a civil lawsuit, initiating the legal process.
Question 7:
What is an affidavit?
A) A set of rules governing court procedures
B) A written statement confirmed by oath
C) A legal representation of facts in a case
D) A document presenting evidence in court
, Fall Semester 2025 UNISA Assignment: TLI4801 / EML1501 Techniques in
Trial and Litigation – Complete Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step
Answers and Exam-Focused Study Guide (Updated 2025 Edition)
CORRECT ANSWER: B) A written statement confirmed by oath
Rationale: An affidavit is a voluntary, sworn written statement made under oath, often
used to present evidence in court.
Question 8:
What does 'discovery' refer to in litigation?
A) The trial phase where evidence is presented
B) The process of gathering information and evidence before trial
C) The final judgment of the court
D) The jury's deliberation process
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The process of gathering information and evidence before
trial
Rationale: Discovery is a pre-trial procedure where parties exchange relevant
information, facilitating a fair trial.
Question 9:
Who typically serves as the trier of fact in a bench trial?
A) The jury
B) The judge
C) The plaintiff
D) The defendant
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The judge
Rationale: In a bench trial, the judge is responsible for determining the facts of the case
rather than the jury.
Question 10:
What does the term 'burden of proof' mean?
A) The obligation to present evidence
B) The responsibility to follow court protocols
C) The need for a lawyer’s representation
D) The requirement to comply with deadlines
CORRECT ANSWER: A) The obligation to present evidence
Rationale: The burden of proof refers to the duty of a party to prove their allegations in
court through credible evidence.
