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Hi and welcome to the 16th undisclosed addendum. The state rests. My name is Robbie Achaudri. I'm an attorney and national security fellow, and I blog at Split the Moon.com. And I'm joined with my colleagues, Susan Simpson and Colin Miller. Susan is an associate at the vocal blog group in Washington, D.C., and she blogs the view from L.L.2. And Colin is an associate dean and professor at the University of South Carolina

School of Law, and he's also the blog editor of the Evidence Prof blog.

Now, last where we left off was during the second trial, as the state presented its case.

But for the uninitiated, those who are not really familiar with the U.S. criminal system, I thought it might be a good idea to give you a bit of an overview of its structure.

The way it works is that the trial opens up with both sides, both the prosecutor and the defense, giving opening statements.

And after that, the state presents its entire case, examining all of its witnesses and introducing evidence.

And as that's happening, the defense gets to cross-examine them.

Once the state rests its case, it's the defense's turn to present their witnesses and

evidence, which the state can then challenge through cross-examination.

And of course, throughout the trial, both sides will raise motions, arguing legal issues,

with the judge then rules on. Once the defense rests, both sides will raise motions, arguing legal issues, with the judge then rules on.

Once the defense rests, both sides give their closing arguments,

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