https://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Opening_StatementsOpening Statements - Revision history2026-05-09T03:27:32ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.42.1https://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=10002&oldid=prevIbjadmin at 16:50, 31 March 20112011-03-31T16:50:42Z<p></p>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="−"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><del style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"></del></div></td><td colspan="2" class="diff-side-added"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Background ==</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Background ==</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>----</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>----</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="−"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>See [[Trial]]</div></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>See [[Trial<ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">]], [[Cross-Examination]], [[Direct Examination]], [[Closing Statements]] and [[Theory of the Case</ins>]]</div></td></tr>
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</table>Ibjadminhttps://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=9846&oldid=prevIbjadmin at 11:13, 21 March 20112011-03-21T11:13:05Z<p></p>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Background ==</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Background ==</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>See [[Trial]]</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>See [[Trial]]</div></td></tr>
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</table>Ibjadminhttps://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=8128&oldid=prevIbjadmin: /* Basics */2010-12-31T18:36:54Z<p><span dir="auto"><span class="autocomment">Basics</span></span></p>
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<td colspan="2" style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;">Revision as of 20:36, 31 December 2010</td>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* '''Body''': While the opening statement is not considered evidence, it is the first opportunity for the defense to explain what the evidence will show. In the body, the defense should tell a story that identifies the "plot, the setting and the characters." It should place questions in the minds of the jurors that they should be asking when they hear the prosecution's case. Defense counsel should communicate a theme that will run through the entire defense. The theme should incorporate the character of the defendant, the relevant facts and the law to be applied.</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* '''Body''': While the opening statement is not considered evidence, it is the first opportunity for the defense to explain what the evidence will show. In the body, the defense should tell a story that identifies the "plot, the setting and the characters." It should place questions in the minds of the jurors that they should be asking when they hear the prosecution's case. Defense counsel should communicate a theme that will run through the entire defense. The theme should incorporate the character of the defendant, the relevant facts and the law to be applied.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* '''Chronology''': The body of the opening should provide a timeline of the events as they occurred. This gives the defense a logical framework in which to describe how and what happened. </div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* '''Chronology''': The body of the opening should provide a timeline of the events as they occurred. This gives the defense a logical framework in which to describe how and what happened. </div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="−"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* Description: To help the factfinder visualize what happened, provide a description of the scene of the alleged crime, the evidence that will be presented and the witnesses that will testify. Remember to restrict your discussion to evidence that will be admissible at trial. If real or demonstrative evidence will be discussed during the opening, you may want to consider a pretrial ruling on admissibility. </div></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* <ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">'''</ins>Description:<ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">''' </ins> To help the factfinder visualize what happened, provide a description of the scene of the alleged crime, the evidence that will be presented and the witnesses that will testify. Remember to restrict your discussion to evidence that will be admissible at trial. If real or demonstrative evidence will be discussed during the opening, you may want to consider a pretrial ruling on admissibility. </div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* '''Credibility''': If the defense will utilize witness testimony, briefly discuss the credibility and qualifications of each witness in the opening. For example, if [[Expert Witnesses | expert witnesses]] will be used, describe their qualifications. The opening is also the time to begin to impeach the credibility of the prosecution witnesses and to minimize the prosecution's likely attempts to impeach the credibility of the defense witnesses. For example, if a defense witness' credibility can be impeached based on criminal history, this is the time to minimize the prosecution's attack by explaining how it has no bearing on the witness' testimony.</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* '''Credibility''': If the defense will utilize witness testimony, briefly discuss the credibility and qualifications of each witness in the opening. For example, if [[Expert Witnesses | expert witnesses]] will be used, describe their qualifications. The opening is also the time to begin to impeach the credibility of the prosecution witnesses and to minimize the prosecution's likely attempts to impeach the credibility of the defense witnesses. For example, if a defense witness' credibility can be impeached based on criminal history, this is the time to minimize the prosecution's attack by explaining how it has no bearing on the witness' testimony.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* '''Facts''': The defense should allow the facts to argue the case by setting forth the facts in such a manner that there is only one logical conclusion. It is also the time to briefly apply the facts to the law. While the court will define the applicable law, the defense should attempt to show how the facts do not support the prosecution's case but support a not guilty verdict.</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>* '''Facts''': The defense should allow the facts to argue the case by setting forth the facts in such a manner that there is only one logical conclusion. It is also the time to briefly apply the facts to the law. While the court will define the applicable law, the defense should attempt to show how the facts do not support the prosecution's case but support a not guilty verdict.</div></td></tr>
</table>Ibjadminhttps://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=8125&oldid=prevIbjadmin at 18:30, 31 December 20102010-12-31T18:30:12Z<p></p>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Background ==</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Background ==</div></td></tr>
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</table>Ibjadminhttps://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=7544&oldid=prevIbjadmin: /* Background */2010-12-01T12:21:59Z<p><span dir="auto"><span class="autocomment">Background</span></span></p>
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<td colspan="2" style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;">Revision as of 14:21, 1 December 2010</td>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="−"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>The purpose of the opening statement is to introduce the parties and counsel to the jury and to provide a roadmap of what the evidence will show and what the jury will be asked to decide. The opening statement should not be argumentative. It is an opportunity for the defense to marshal the significant facts in a logical fashion that makes sense and leads to one conclusion, a defense verdict. The opening statement may be the most effective piece of advocacy during a trial and, as such, should be delivered in a calm, logical manner that brings the jury to your side. Like all aspects of the trial, the opening statement should be driven by the defendant's [[Theory of the Case | theory of the case]].</div></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>The purpose of the opening statement is to introduce the parties and counsel to the jury and to provide a roadmap of what the evidence will show and what the jury will be asked to decide. The opening statement should not be argumentative. It is an opportunity for the defense to marshal the significant facts in a logical fashion that makes sense and leads to one conclusion, a defense verdict. The opening statement may be the most effective piece of <ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">[[Oral Advocacy|</ins>advocacy<ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">]] </ins>during a trial and, as such, should be delivered in a calm, logical manner that brings the jury to your side. Like all aspects of the trial, the opening statement should be driven by the defendant's [[Theory of the Case | theory of the case]].</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td></tr>
</table>Ibjadminhttps://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=6053&oldid=prevIbjadmin at 09:52, 28 September 20102010-09-28T09:52:16Z<p></p>
<table style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122;" data-mw="interface">
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<td colspan="2" style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;">Revision as of 11:52, 28 September 2010</td>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="−"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>After voir dire, this is the jury's first contact with the defense lawyer. Given the fact that first impressions are hard to change, counsel should be very conscious of dress, grooming and body language. The lawyer must attempt to come across as honest, sincere, considerate and credible. Avoid using complicated legal terms. Try to speak to the members of the jury in clear and simple terms that they will understand.</div></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>After <ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">[[Voir Dire | </ins>voir dire<ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">]]</ins>, this is the jury's first contact with the defense lawyer. Given the fact that first impressions are hard to change, counsel should be very conscious of dress, grooming and body language. The lawyer must attempt to come across as honest, sincere, considerate and credible. Avoid using complicated legal terms. Try to speak to the members of the jury in clear and simple terms that they will understand.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>Since the prosecution has the burden of proof in a criminal case, it makes the first opening statement. The defense then gives its opening statement. While the defense is permitted to defer its opening statement until after the prosecution has rested it case, this rarely makes sense.</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>Since the prosecution has the burden of proof in a criminal case, it makes the first opening statement. The defense then gives its opening statement. While the defense is permitted to defer its opening statement until after the prosecution has rested it case, this rarely makes sense.</div></td></tr>
</table>Ibjadminhttps://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=4574&oldid=prevIbjadmin: /* Background */2010-07-15T12:40:32Z<p><span dir="auto"><span class="autocomment">Background</span></span></p>
<table style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122;" data-mw="interface">
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<td colspan="2" style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;">Revision as of 14:40, 15 July 2010</td>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="−"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>The purpose of the opening statement is to introduce the parties and counsel to the jury and to provide a roadmap of what the evidence will show and what the jury will be asked to decide. The opening statement should not be argumentative. It is an opportunity for the defense to marshal the significant facts in a logical fashion that makes sense and leads to one conclusion, a defense verdict. The opening statement may be the most effective piece of advocacy during a trial and, as such, should be delivered in a calm, logical manner that brings the jury to your side. Like all aspects of the trial, the opening statement should be driven by the defendant's [[Theory of <del style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">The </del>Case | theory of the case]].</div></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>The purpose of the opening statement is to introduce the parties and counsel to the jury and to provide a roadmap of what the evidence will show and what the jury will be asked to decide. The opening statement should not be argumentative. It is an opportunity for the defense to marshal the significant facts in a logical fashion that makes sense and leads to one conclusion, a defense verdict. The opening statement may be the most effective piece of advocacy during a trial and, as such, should be delivered in a calm, logical manner that brings the jury to your side. Like all aspects of the trial, the opening statement should be driven by the defendant's [[Theory of <ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">the </ins>Case | theory of the case]].</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td></tr>
</table>Ibjadminhttps://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=4573&oldid=prevIbjadmin: /* Background */2010-07-15T12:40:15Z<p><span dir="auto"><span class="autocomment">Background</span></span></p>
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<td colspan="2" style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;">Revision as of 14:40, 15 July 2010</td>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="−"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>The purpose of the opening statement is to introduce the parties and counsel to the jury and to provide a roadmap of what the evidence will show and what the jury will be asked to decide. The opening statement should not be argumentative. It is an opportunity for the defense to marshal the significant facts in a logical fashion that makes sense and leads to one conclusion, a defense verdict. The opening statement may be the most effective piece of advocacy during a trial and, as such, should be delivered in a calm, logical manner that brings the jury to your side. Like all aspects of the trial, the opening statement should be driven by the defendant's [[theory of the case]].</div></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>The purpose of the opening statement is to introduce the parties and counsel to the jury and to provide a roadmap of what the evidence will show and what the jury will be asked to decide. The opening statement should not be argumentative. It is an opportunity for the defense to marshal the significant facts in a logical fashion that makes sense and leads to one conclusion, a defense verdict. The opening statement may be the most effective piece of advocacy during a trial and, as such, should be delivered in a calm, logical manner that brings the jury to your side. Like all aspects of the trial, the opening statement should be driven by the defendant's [[<ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Theory of The Case | </ins>theory of the case]].</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td></tr>
</table>Ibjadminhttps://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=4572&oldid=prevIbjadmin: /* Background */2010-07-15T12:39:48Z<p><span dir="auto"><span class="autocomment">Background</span></span></p>
<table style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122;" data-mw="interface">
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<td colspan="2" style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;">Revision as of 14:39, 15 July 2010</td>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="−"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #ffe49c; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>The purpose of the opening statement is to introduce the parties and counsel to the jury and to provide a roadmap of what the evidence will show and what the jury will be asked to decide. The opening statement should not be argumentative. It is an opportunity for the defense to marshal the significant facts in a logical fashion that makes sense and leads to one conclusion, a defense verdict. The opening statement may be the most effective piece of advocacy during a trial and, as such, should be delivered in a calm, logical manner that brings the jury to your side. </div></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>The purpose of the opening statement is to introduce the parties and counsel to the jury and to provide a roadmap of what the evidence will show and what the jury will be asked to decide. The opening statement should not be argumentative. It is an opportunity for the defense to marshal the significant facts in a logical fashion that makes sense and leads to one conclusion, a defense verdict. The opening statement may be the most effective piece of advocacy during a trial and, as such, should be delivered in a calm, logical manner that brings the jury to your side<ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">. Like all aspects of the trial, the opening statement should be driven by the defendant's [[theory of the case]]</ins>.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>== Basics ==</div></td></tr>
</table>Ibjadminhttps://defensewiki.ibj.org/index.php?title=Opening_Statements&diff=4571&oldid=prevIbjadmin at 12:38, 15 July 20102010-07-15T12:38:38Z<p></p>
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<td colspan="2" style="background-color: #fff; color: #202122; text-align: center;">Revision as of 14:38, 15 July 2010</td>
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<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></td></tr>
<tr><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>As noted above, the opening statement is not considered to be evidence. Many lawyers make the mistake of telling the jury this during their opening statement. Unfortunately, this results in giving the jury the mistaken impression that what is set forth in the opening is not important.</div></td><td class="diff-marker"></td><td style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #eaecf0; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>As noted above, the opening statement is not considered to be evidence. Many lawyers make the mistake of telling the jury this during their opening statement. Unfortunately, this results in giving the jury the mistaken impression that what is set forth in the opening is not important.</div></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" class="diff-side-deleted"></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"></ins></div></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" class="diff-side-deleted"></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">----</ins></div></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" class="diff-side-deleted"></td><td class="diff-marker" data-marker="+"></td><td style="color: #202122; font-size: 88%; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 4px; border-radius: 0.33em; border-color: #a3d3ff; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><ins style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">See [[Trial]]</ins></div></td></tr>
</table>Ibjadmin