Legal Definitions - rest

In a legal trial, when a party "rests," it signifies that they have voluntarily concluded presenting all the evidence, witnesses, and arguments they intend to offer at that particular stage of the proceedings. It is a formal declaration to the court that their turn to present their side of the case is complete, and it typically signals that the opposing party or the next phase of the trial can begin.

• Example 1: Civil Lawsuit - Plaintiff's Case

  In a civil lawsuit where a homeowner is suing a contractor for shoddy work, after the homeowner's attorney has called all their witnesses, presented photographs, and submitted expert testimony about the construction defects, the attorney might state, "Your Honor, the plaintiff rests."

  This illustrates the term because the homeowner (the plaintiff) has finished presenting all the evidence they believe supports their claim against the contractor. It signals that it is now the contractor's turn to present their defense.

• Example 2: Criminal Trial - Prosecution's Case

  During a criminal trial for embezzlement, after the prosecutor has presented bank statements, called several financial experts, and shown surveillance footage, they might declare, "The prosecution rests its case."

  Here, the prosecution has concluded presenting all the evidence they believe proves the defendant's guilt. This action formally ends their presentation of evidence, and the defense will then have the opportunity to present their own evidence or arguments.

• Example 3: Civil Lawsuit - Defense's Case

  In a product liability case, after the defense attorney for the manufacturing company has presented testimony from their engineers, shown product testing results, and cross-examined the plaintiff's witnesses, the attorney might announce, "Your Honor, the defense rests."

  This demonstrates that the manufacturing company's legal team (the defense) has finished presenting all the evidence and arguments they wish to offer to counter the plaintiff's claims. Once the defense rests, the trial moves closer to closing arguments and deliberation.