Chapter 4 OPENING STATEMENT - Maurer School …

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Chapter 4OPENING STATEMENT INTRODUCTIONAfter the jury has been selected, the parties give their OPENING OPENING statements introduce the jurors to the parties competing theoriesof the case. OPENING statements generally are fairly short, and focused on thekey facts you will present. They are told in chronological order, as much likea story as possible. OPENING statements help jurors understand the natureof the dispute, focus on the key evidence, and place witnesses and exhibitsin their proper are four main purposes to be accomplished in OPENING statements:cPresent a clear picture of the case its major events, participants,instrumentalities, disputes and the interest of the jurors in your case and general theoryso that they want to hear your evidence. If jurors become bored (orworse, if they become antagonistic), they may be inattentive whileyou present your rapport with the jurors, speaking to them as intelligent peopleand communicating your sincere belief in your cause.

Chapter 4 OPENING STATEMENT § 4.01 INTRODUCTION After the jury has been selected, the parties give their opening statements. The opening statements introduce the jurors to the parties’ competing theories

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