Glossary
Hearing
Any in-person (or remote) appearance before a judge to address a specific issue in a case. Hearings can be brief and procedural, or they can be lengthy "evidentiary hearings" that look much like mini-trials.
Most cases have multiple hearings before they ever reach trial: initial scheduling conferences, motion hearings, discovery dispute hearings, settlement conferences. Each addresses something specific.
The format varies. Routine motion hearings might just be 10 minutes of legal argument. Evidentiary hearings on contested motions can stretch over multiple days with witnesses and exhibits. Trials are technically a kind of hearing too, just the most extensive kind.
Hearings are typically open to the public unless the matter is sealed (juvenile cases, some family matters, sealed motions). Both sides should be present or have a chance to participate.