> ## 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.

# Quickstart

> Conduct your first witness examination in five minutes

# Quickstart Guide

This guide walks you through starting your first courtroom simulation session. By the end, you will have examined a witness, responded to an objection, and reviewed your performance score.

## Prerequisites

Before beginning, ensure you have:

* A LitigationLabs account (sign up at [litigationlabs.io](https://litigationlabs.io))
* A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)

## Step 1: Access the Dashboard

After signing in, you arrive at the LitigationLabs dashboard. The dashboard provides access to your recent sessions, performance statistics, and the case library.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign In">
    Navigate to [litigationlabs.io](https://litigationlabs.io) and sign in using your preferred method: email magic link, Google, or Apple.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete Onboarding">
    First-time users see a brief introduction explaining the platform's core workflow. Review each screen or click "Skip intro" to proceed directly to the dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to CaseSim">
    From the dashboard sidebar, select **CaseSim** to access the courtroom simulator.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 2: Select a Scenario

Scenarios define the case facts, witnesses, and examination objectives for your session.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Browse Available Scenarios">
    The scenario panel displays available cases. Each scenario card shows the case title, description, and number of witnesses.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Scenario">
    Click on a scenario to view its details, including witness profiles and the facts you need to elicit. For your first session, we recommend selecting a scenario marked as "Beginner" or "Introduction."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Your Side">
    Choose whether to represent the **Plaintiff** or **Defendant**. This determines which witnesses you examine first and which side opposing counsel represents.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 3: Begin the Examination

Once you start the session, the judge delivers opening instructions and the first witness takes the stand.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Review the Witness">
    The witness toolbar displays the current witness's name, role, and your progress on extracting key facts. Take a moment to review who you are examining.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Ask Your First Question">
    Type your question in the input field at the bottom of the chat panel. For direct examination, use open-ended questions. For example:

    ```
    Please state your name for the record.
    ```

    Press Enter or click the send button to submit.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Observe the Response">
    The witness responds based on their profile and the case facts. Watch for information relevant to your elicits—these are the key facts you need to establish.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 4: Handle Objections

During your examination, opposing counsel may object to your questions. When this occurs:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Review the Objection">
    The objection appears in the chat with the grounds cited (e.g., "Objection: Leading question" with the relevant Federal Rules of Evidence citation).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Respond or Rephrase">
    You have several options:

    * **Argue an exception**: Explain why the objection should be overruled
    * **Withdraw the question**: Concede and move on
    * **Rephrase**: Ask a new question that avoids the objectionable form
  </Step>

  <Step title="Await the Ruling">
    The judge rules on the objection—sustaining or overruling—with a brief explanation of the legal reasoning.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 5: Review Your Score

As you elicit key facts, the system tracks your progress:

* **Score popups** appear when you successfully extract a key fact
* The **witness toolbar** shows your completion percentage for each witness
* **Elicit badges** indicate which facts you have established

## Step 6: End the Session

When you have completed your examination or wish to stop:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Proceed to Next Phase">
    Click "Proceed" to advance to cross-examination or the next witness.
  </Step>

  <Step title="End Session">
    Select "End Session" to conclude. Your transcript and scores are automatically saved.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review Performance">
    Access your session history from the dashboard to review transcripts, scores, and areas for improvement.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

Now that you have completed your first examination, explore these resources to deepen your practice:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Core Concepts" icon="book" href="/concepts/trial-simulation">
    Understand the fundamental mechanics of courtroom simulation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Examining Witnesses" icon="message-question" href="/casesim/examining-witnesses">
    Learn techniques for effective direct and cross-examination
  </Card>

  <Card title="Objection Strategy" icon="gavel" href="/guides/objection-strategy">
    Master when and how to raise objections
  </Card>

  <Card title="Maximizing Your Score" icon="trophy" href="/guides/maximizing-your-score">
    Strategies for extracting all key facts from witnesses
  </Card>
</CardGroup>