Final answer:
Lawyers do take turns making arguments to judges and responding to their questions, a process integral to both trial court and appellate court procedures. Justices have opportunities to clarify issues through questions during oral arguments. The Solicitor General represents the government's position in cases where it is a party.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that lawyers take turns making arguments to the judges and answering the judges' questions during a trial and appellate processes, including at the Supreme Court level. During oral arguments, each lawyer has a set amount of time to present their case before the justices, who may interject with questions to gain a better understanding of the matter at hand. This process helps ensure that all aspects of the legal arguments are thoroughly explored before a final decision is made. In the trial court, the structure includes opening arguments, witness testimonies and cross-examinations, followed by closing arguments. The judges or justices deliberate in private before issuing a ruling on the case.
The role of a judge or justice includes frequently asking questions and potentially interrupting presentations to clarify points and assess the arguments made by the lawyers. The Solicitor General plays a key role when the United States government is a party to a case, arguing its position before the Court. Additionally, the justices prepare for oral arguments by reviewing filed briefs, which lay out the legal arguments of each party involved in the case. Finally, once oral arguments are over and the justices meet in conference, they discuss and cast preliminary votes on the cases.