Final answer:
A case citation indicates the location and date of a trial, along with other legal specifics of the case. It ensures reference to a legal decision, supports fairness in the trial process, and helps locate case information like audio recordings and documents.
Step-by-step explanation:
A case citation does indeed indicate when and where a trial took place, serving as a reference to a particular legal case and its published written decision. The citation includes the names of the parties involved, volume number of the reporter, the abbreviated name of the case reporter, the page number where the case begins, and the year the decision was rendered. Criminal trials typically take place in the state and district where the crime was committed, as stipulated by the U.S. Constitution and ascribed by law for the purpose of ensuring a fair trial.
In criminal prosecutions, defendants have constitutional rights, such as the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime occurred, the right to know the nature and cause of the accusation, to confront witnesses against them, and to have assistance of counsel for their defence. The trial is conducted with the judge and jury each playing specific roles, the jury determining guilt and the judge assigning the penalty, unless the jury is also empowered to decide on the penalty. Post-trial, any member of the prosecution or defense can appeal the case to a higher court if the result is unfavorable.
Change of venue may be requested if pre-trial publicity or other factors might impede the possibility of a fair trial in the original location. The Supreme Court's audio recordings and case information are available through the Oyez Project, and trials are by jury except in cases of impeachment and are held according to laws directed by Congress.