Trials will be held when a De Medici stands accused of a crime vile enough to merit one. They will be done as follows with no exceptions:

The prosecution will present the charges being pressed against the member. The Judge, either Callista or Miquel, will decide whether or not the crime merits a trial, or if alternate means may be used to correct the individuals actions.

If the crime is bad enough to go to trial, a date convenient for all will be set and the trial will commence on that day.

Step One: The prosecution (usually Gabriel) presents it's case against the individual. This will include logs of the incident, eyewitness reports, and other relevant information about the individuals past that may tie into the incident in question.

Step Two: The defense presents it's side of the story. This will include logs, character references by family members and friends of the accused, and any information that could help prove the innocence. (Trials are a VERY rare event. If you are brought to trial, there is almost NO DOUBT of the outcome. Unless indisputable proof is given that you did NOT commit the offense, you are likely to lose your character. Gabriel doesn't waste his time with things that could have happened.)

Step Three: The prosecution will question the individual and the defenses witnesses on information pertaining to the crime.

Step Four: The Defense will question the prosecutions witnesses.

Step Five: The judge will deliberate and council with the prosecution and defense before passing judgement and giving the penalty if there is to be one.

Step Five: The defense may try and lower the verdict down, thereby reducing the punishment for the crime.