Adversarial vs. Inquisitorial Systems

Adversarial and inquisitorial systems are two methods of conducting court trials. In an adversarial system, like in the U.S. or UK, two sides present their evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury decides based on what is most convincing. In a traditional inquisitorial system, common in many European countries, a judge actively investigates the case, gathering evidence and questioning witnesses to determine the truth. The main difference is who drives the process: the parties in adversarial systems, and the judge's inquiry in inquisitorial systems.