How do you write a law opening statement?

How do you write a law opening statement?

Opening Statement Checklist

1. State your theme immediately in one sentence.
2. Tell the story of the case without argument.
3. Persuasively order your facts in a sequence that supports your theme.
4. Decide whether to address the bad facts in the opening or not.
5. Do not read your opening statement.
6. Bring an outline, if necessary.

What is a good opening statement?

An effective opening statement is built around a theme that can be summed up in a simple word or phrase or in a single sentence. The theme developed should be straightforward, clear, and designed to catch and hold the jury’s attention. It should get directly to the heart of the dispute.

What is a legal opening statement?

Overview. The opening statement is the lawyer’s first opportunity to address the jury in a trial. Generally, the party who bears the burden of proof (plaintiff in a civil case or prosecution in a criminal case) begins the opening statements, followed immediately after by the adverse party (defendant).

Which are effective elements of an opening statement?

Tell a Story. Themes and storytelling are what make opening statements engaging and effective. The story of the case tells the jury what happened chronologically either from the viewpoint of the plaintiff or defendant.

How do you start an opening statement example?

Some examples:

• “This is a case about taking chances.”
• “Mary Jones had a dream and a plan.”
• “Revenge. That’s what this case is all about.”
• “This is also a case about pain. Mr. Johnson’s only companion today is constant pain.”
• “This is a case about police brutality”

How do you start a defense opening statement?

Defense Opening Statement

1. Tell a story.
2. Plant the defense themes.
3. Make concessions only with great caution.
4. Make the defense case concisely.
5. Humanize the defendant.
6. Make no promises about the defendant testifying.
7. Argue the defendant’s case.
8. End on a high note.

What do opening statements consist of?

Opening statements include such phrases as, “Ms. Smith will testify under oath that she saw Mr. Johnson do X,” and “The evidence will show that Defendant did not do Y.” Although opening statements should be as persuasive as possible, they should not include arguments. They come at the end of the trial.

Can you argue in opening statement?

An opening statement has a narrow purpose and scope. It is to state what evidence will be presented, to make it easier for the jurors to understand what is to follow, and to relate parts of the evidence and testimony to the whole; it is not an occasion for argument.

What do you call an opening statement?

An opening statement is generally the first occasion that the trier of fact (jury or judge) has to hear from a lawyer in a trial, aside possibly from questioning during voir dire. The opening statement is generally constructed to serve as a “road map” for the fact-finder.