Rule 224 Regulation of Order of Proof

In a Pennsylvania civil trial, the judge can require the plaintiff (the person suing) to present all their evidence about whether the defendant did something wrong before presenting evidence about how much the injury or damages are worth. This keeps the trial organized by dealing with the question of fault first.

After the plaintiff finishes presenting their liability evidence, the defendant's lawyer can ask the judge to dismiss the case right then, before it goes any further. This is called a motion for a nonsuit. If the judge says no to that request, the trial continues as normal.

The judge does have flexibility here. If there is a good reason to call witnesses in a different order, the judge can allow it.