Steve,
You've taken your silly metaphor way too far

It is not a metaphor.
Trials, elections and referendums all are adverarial debates judged by jury or electorate.

Dave,
They are given 'the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth'. They are advised by a learned judge on any points that may be unclear.
This did not happen with the referendum.

Wrong. In both cases the evidence is put forward by each side and the jury or electorate decide on the basis of that evidence.

DMcG,
And don't forget there is amechanism to appeal decisions if new evidence comes to light or the trial was otherwise faulty.

Not for an election.
In a trial there is a right of appeal to a higher court, but the electorate is the highest court for a referendum or election.