> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.litigationlabs.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# CaseSim Overview

> Understanding the courtroom simulation interface and capabilities

# CaseSim Overview

CaseSim is the flagship feature of LitigationLabs—an interactive courtroom simulator where you practice witness examination against AI-powered participants. This page provides an orientation to the CaseSim interface and its capabilities.

## Interface Layout

The CaseSim interface is organized into functional regions:

### Chat Panel

The central area where examination occurs:

* **Message history**: Scrolling transcript of questions, answers, objections, and rulings
* **Input field**: Where you type questions and responses
* **Objection button**: Access the objection picker
* **Send controls**: Submit your input

### Witness Toolbar

Located at the top of the interface:

* **Witness selector**: Switch between witnesses (when multiple are available)
* **Witness identity**: Name and role of current witness
* **Elicit progress**: Visual indicator of facts established
* **Credibility indicator**: Witness health bar

### Scenario Panel

The left sidebar containing:

* **Scenario details**: Case title and description
* **Case materials**: Background facts and evidence
* **Witness profiles**: Information about each witness
* **Progress tracking**: Overall session progress

### Status Bar

The top bar displaying:

* **Current phase**: Where you are in the trial sequence
* **Session controls**: Proceed, end session, and navigation options
* **Time tracking**: Session duration

## Core Capabilities

### Witness Examination

The primary function of CaseSim is conducting witness examinations:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Direct Examination" icon="message-question">
    Question your own witnesses using open-ended questions to elicit favorable testimony
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cross-Examination" icon="message-exclamation">
    Challenge opposing witnesses using leading questions to obtain admissions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Objection Handling

Engage with the evidentiary system:

* **Raise objections**: Object to improper questions during cross-examination
* **Respond to objections**: Defend your questions when OCA objects
* **Argue exceptions**: Assert that exceptions to evidentiary rules apply

### Evidence Introduction

Reference and introduce exhibits:

* **Cite evidence**: Reference documents in your questions
* **Lay foundation**: Establish the basis for admitting evidence
* **Authenticate documents**: Confirm evidence authenticity through testimony

### Progress Tracking

Monitor your performance:

* **Elicit tracking**: See which key facts you have established
* **Score updates**: Real-time feedback on successful extractions
* **Phase progress**: Track your position in the trial sequence

## Interaction Modes

CaseSim operates in different modes depending on context:

### Examination Mode

The default mode for questioning witnesses:

* Type questions in the input field
* Receive witness responses
* OCA may interject with objections
* Judge rules on any objections raised

### Objection Mode

Activated when you or OCA raises an objection:

* **Player objecting**: Select objection grounds, submit, await ruling
* **OCA objecting**: Review objection, choose response, await ruling

### Thread Reply Mode

During objection exchanges:

* Multiple back-and-forth responses
* Argue exceptions or dispute grounds
* Judge intervenes after maximum exchanges

### Transition Mode

Between phases or witnesses:

* Review completed examination
* Prepare for next phase
* Make strategic decisions about proceeding

## Session Persistence

CaseSim sessions persist automatically:

### Auto-Save

Every action is saved:

* Questions and answers
* Objections and rulings
* Score state and progress
* Phase position

### Session Resume

Return to your session at any time:

* Sessions appear in dashboard history
* Click to resume where you left off
* Full transcript available for review

### Session History

Access completed sessions:

* Review transcripts
* Analyze scores
* Compare attempts
* Export records

## Agent Interactions

Four AI agents participate in each session:

### Witness Agent

Responds to your questions based on their profile:

* Maintains consistent character
* Provides testimony within knowledge boundaries
* Exhibits realistic resistance to harmful admissions
* Responds to credibility challenges

### Opposing Counsel Agent (OCA)

Creates adversarial pressure:

* Objects to improper questions
* Conducts cross-examination of your witnesses
* Responds to your objections
* Makes intentional mistakes for training value

### Judge Agent

Maintains courtroom order:

* Rules on all objections
* Provides legal reasoning
* Cites applicable Federal Rules of Evidence
* Manages examination scope

### Orchestrator

Coordinates the simulation:

* Routes messages between agents
* Manages turn order
* Tracks session state
* Handles phase transitions

## Visual Feedback

CaseSim provides continuous visual feedback:

### Thinking Indicators

When agents are processing:

* Animated indicators show which agent is "thinking"
* Streaming text displays response generation in real-time

### Score Popups

When you establish an elicit:

* Popup appears with the fact established
* Points awarded are displayed
* Elicit badge updates status

### Health Bar

Witness credibility visualization:

* Green: High credibility
* Yellow: Degraded credibility
* Red: Significantly damaged credibility

### Phase Progress

Visual representation of trial progress:

* Completed phases marked
* Current phase highlighted
* Upcoming phases visible

## Accessibility

CaseSim supports accessible interaction:

### Keyboard Navigation

* Tab through interactive elements
* Enter to submit questions
* Keyboard shortcuts for common actions

### Screen Reader Support

* Semantic HTML structure
* ARIA labels on interactive elements
* Meaningful alt text for visual indicators

### Theme Support

* Light and dark modes
* Consistent with system preferences
* Adjustable through settings

## Getting Started with CaseSim

Ready to begin? Follow these steps:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access CaseSim">
    From the dashboard, click **CaseSim** in the sidebar navigation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a Scenario">
    Browse available scenarios and select one to practice.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Side">
    Select whether to represent the plaintiff or defendant.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Begin Examination">
    Start questioning the first witness.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For detailed guidance on each step, continue to [Starting a Session](/casesim/starting-a-session).