A criminal trial is a legal process where a person accused of a crime is judged in a court of law. The trial involves presenting evidence and arguments from both the prosecution, which represents the government, and the defense, which represents the accused. The goal is to determine whether the accused is guilty or not guilty of the charges. During the trial, a judge oversees the proceedings to ensure fairness and adherence to the law. In some cases, a jury may be present to listen to the evidence and make a decision based on the facts presented. The outcome can result in various penalties if the accused is found guilty.