During which phase does the defendant present their evidence?

The defendant presents their evidence after the plaintiff's evidence has been introduced. This phase is part of the trial process, where each party has the opportunity to present their cases. After the plaintiff presents their evidence and establishes their claims, the defendant then responds by presenting their own evidence, which may include witness testimony, documents, or other relevant material that supports their defense or counterclaims. This sequence allows for a clear and structured debate of the issues at hand, ensuring that both sides have a fair opportunity to make their case before the judge or jury.

In contrast, presenting evidence simultaneously or before the plaintiff's opening address would not align with the traditional structure of a trial, which is designed to follow a logical order for clarity and fairness. Additionally, presenting evidence only after a judgment is rendered does not align with trial procedures, as evidence must be introduced during the trial to influence the outcome before any judgment is made.