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.
Trial Simulation
Trial simulation in LitigationLabs recreates the adversarial dynamics of courtroom examination through coordinated AI agents. This page introduces the foundational concepts that govern how simulations operate.The Simulation Environment
A trial simulation consists of three interconnected elements:The Scenario
Every simulation begins with a scenario—a self-contained case definition that establishes:- Case facts: The underlying dispute and relevant background
- Parties: Plaintiff and defendant with their respective positions
- Witnesses: Individuals who can be examined, each with defined knowledge
- Evidence: Documents, exhibits, and other materials that may be introduced
- Elicits: The key facts you must extract through examination
The Participants
Four distinct roles interact during simulation:| Participant | Controlled By | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Examining Attorney | You | Ask questions, raise objections, introduce evidence |
| Witness | AI Agent | Respond to examination based on profile |
| Opposing Counsel | AI Agent | Object to improper questions, conduct cross-examination |
| Judge | AI Agent | Rule on objections, maintain courtroom order |
The Transcript
Every interaction is recorded in the transcript—a chronological record of:- Questions asked
- Witness responses
- Objections raised and their grounds
- Judicial rulings with reasoning
- Evidence introduced
Adversarial Dynamics
Trial simulation models the adversarial nature of litigation. Unlike cooperative AI interactions, the agents in LitigationLabs pursue competing objectives.Opposing Counsel’s Objectives
The Opposing Counsel Agent (OCA) operates with goals contrary to yours:- Obstruct harmful testimony: Object to questions that might elicit damaging facts
- Protect the witness: Prevent you from impeaching or confusing the witness
- Advance their case: During cross-examination, elicit facts favorable to their side
Witness Self-Interest
Witnesses are not neutral fact-dispensers. Each witness has:- Loyalty: Alignment with one party or personal interests
- Protected information: Facts they resist revealing
- Credibility concerns: Motivation to appear truthful and consistent
The Role of the Federal Rules of Evidence
LitigationLabs implements the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) as the governing framework for all evidentiary determinations.Objection Grounds
The platform supports objections based on:- Relevance (FRE 401-402): Is the evidence material and probative?
- Hearsay (FRE 801-805): Out-of-court statements offered for truth
- Foundation (FRE 602): Does the witness have personal knowledge?
- Form (FRE 611): Leading, compound, argumentative questions
- Character (FRE 404): Improper character evidence
- Privilege: Attorney-client, work product, and other protections
Judicial Rulings
The judge agent applies these rules consistently, providing:- The ruling (sustained or overruled)
- The applicable FRE section
- Brief reasoning explaining the determination
Realism Through Imperfection
A key design principle of LitigationLabs is intentional imperfection. Real courtrooms are not perfectly efficient systems—opposing counsel makes mistakes, witnesses give unexpected answers, and judges occasionally err.Calibrated Errors
The simulation introduces controlled imperfection:- OCA sometimes fails to object when objections would be warranted
- OCA sometimes objects incorrectly, giving you opportunity to argue exceptions
- Witnesses may provide incomplete answers, requiring follow-up questions
- Judges may allow borderline questions, reflecting the discretion inherent in evidentiary rulings
Session Lifecycle
Understanding the session lifecycle helps you navigate simulations effectively.Phase Progression
Simulations progress through defined phases:| Phase | Your Role | Opposing Counsel |
|---|---|---|
| Pretrial | Review materials | Inactive |
| Opening | Deliver opening statement | Delivers their opening |
| Direct | Examine your witnesses | Objects; notes for cross |
| Cross | Object during OCA’s examination | Examines your witnesses |
| Closing | Deliver closing argument | Delivers their closing |
Witness Transitions
Within examination phases, you transition between witnesses:- Call witness: Select which witness to examine
- Direct examination: Question your witness
- Cross-examination: OCA questions your witness
- Redirect: You may conduct redirect examination
- Next witness: Repeat for remaining witnesses
Persistence and Continuity
Simulations persist automatically. This enables:- Session interruption: Leave and return at any time
- Progress tracking: Your examination history is preserved
- Performance review: Analyze transcripts after completion
- Comparative analysis: Review multiple attempts at the same scenario