adversary system

Definition

Judicial system of trial in English legal system (practiced in Great Britain, most commonwealth countries, and the US except the US state of Louisiana, and Canada's Quebec province). In this system, a case is argued by two opposing sides who have the primary responsibility for finding and presenting facts. The prosecutor tries to prove the defendant is guilty, and the defendant's attorney argues for the defendant's acquittal. The case is then decided by a judge (or a jury) who does not investigate the facts but acts as an umpire. Also called accusatorial procedure. See also inquisitorial system.