Final answer:
The process of obtaining information and evidence by both parties before a trial is known as disclosure, which is essential in the legal proceedings to ensure a fair trial and to uphold the rights guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process which parties use to obtain information and evidence about both sides of the case before trial is known as disclosure. This term refers to a critical phase in the legal proceedings where each party is required to openly share any evidence or relevant information with the opposition. This practice is a fundamental component of the adversarial judicial system, ensuring that neither side is surprised by undisclosed evidence during the trial.
Disclosure enables the defense to be fully aware of the charges and the evidence that will be used against them, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. This also allows for sufficient preparation time for a robust defense or for challenging the admissibility of certain evidence that might have been illegally obtained. If the pre-trial cannot be settled by a plea bargain, the process continues with jury selection, followed by the trial proceedings which include opening arguments, witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and closing arguments, all leading up to the jury deliberation and verdict.