Each videotaped exercise comprises 5 to 10 problems, presented by means of dramatized incidents derived from real cases. The problems cover a wide range of subjects from ethics to evidence, and their general format follows a new judge presiding over his first case from its preliminary assignment to the conclusion and repercussions. Although Virginia law and procedure are emphasized, most of the situations are applicable elsewhere. The topics represented by the exercises begin with judicial ethics followed by pretrial conference (omnibus hearings), voir dire, and plea bargaining and taking the plea. Additional topics are relations with news media (including the conflict between a fair trial and a free press), the opening statement and presentation of the case, sequestration, judicial demeanor, and hearsay. Problems relating to competency, contempt, role of the judge in the trial, rulings and courtroom security, witnesses and jurors, and the expert witness are also presented. Still other problematic situations are illustrated with reference to the closing argument, the verdict, post-trial events, communication with prisoners, and judicial discretion. The videotaped scenes each illustrate a single problem and are clearly separated from each other, providing opportunity for discussion. For the accompanying booklet, see NCJ 81635.