And if you can't see the rhetorical similarities between the debate format and trial format, it's fine by me.
the focus is on the people of the united states in a debate for president, what THEY want.
And I would say that the that the focus of a debate is the question of who would make the better president.
In court the focus is on the defendant.
And I would say that the focus is on the question of the defendant's innocence or guilt. In some trials (in absentia), the defendant isn't even there.
In a court you have chosen people or the judge listening to EVIDENCE.
And in a trial, you have the chosen people (the public) listening to the different candidates present evidence that supports their argument that THEY are the better candidate.
The audience is not involved at all and shouldn’t be. (and you know that.)
The judge and/or jury IS the audience to be swayed to a decision by evidence and rhetoric.
LOL! can’t give it up can you?
So there are no audiences in courts?