Order of Presentation

When the plaintiff's attorney (in a civil case) or the prosecuting attorney (in a criminal case) has finished presenting evidence, that side will rest. Then the defendant's attorney may present witnesses and evidence, but is not required to do so. If the defense has produced evidence, the plaintiff's attorney (or prosecuting attorney) may - but is not required to - offer witnesses and evidence in rebuttal to explain or deny the evidence produced by the defendant.