North Dakota § 29-21-01 - Order of trial
Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 29-21-01 — Order of trial, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29-21-01. Order of trial
The jurors having been impaneled and sworn, the trial must proceed in the following order: 1. If the information or indictment is for a felony, the clerk or state's attorney shall read it, and shall state the plea of the defendant to the jury. In all other cases this formality may be dispensed with. 2. The state's attorney, or other counsel for the state, shall open the case and offer the evidence in support of the information or indictment. 3. The defendant or the defendant's counsel then may open the defense and offer the defendant's evidence in support thereof. 4. The parties then, respectively, may offer rebutting testimony only, unless the court, for good reason, in furtherance of justice, or to correct an evident oversight, permits them to offer evidence upon their original case. 5. When the evidence is concluded, unless the case is submitted to the jury on either side, or on both sides, without argument, the counsel for the state shall commence, and the defendant or the defendant's counsel shall follow. Then the counsel for the state shall conclude the argument to the jury. 6. The judge then shall charge the jury.
Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 29-21-01
What does North Dakota Century Code § 29-21-01 cover?
Section 29-21-01 ("Order of trial") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Dakota § 29-21-01?
A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 29-21-01" (North Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.
How does North Dakota § 29-21-01 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.