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- Dictionaryopening statement
noun
- 1. an initial speech made by each side in a trial, summarizing the main points of the case they will make for the jury: "the first tragedy was in April 1998, the lawyer told a Suffolk County jury in his opening statement"
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The primary purpose of an opening statement is to apprise the trier of fact, whether jury or court, of the issues in question and to summarize the evidence that the party intends to offer during the trial.
opening statement. noun. : a statement to the jury by trial counsel before the presentation of evidence that usually explains the nature of the case, the factual matters to be proven, and the evidence to be presented and that summarizes the arguments to be made.
Opening statements in a criminal trial serve as the inaugural moments where the prosecution and defense present their case narratives to the jury, laying the foundation for the legal battle that unfolds. These initial statements are pivotal, marking the commencement of a carefully orchestrated legal process that aims to impart justice.
The opening statement is a 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 ).
The opening statement is one of the most important components of any trial. It is your first opportunity to present the case to the jury, and to shape the jury’s perspective of the entire trial.
opening statement - A preliminary explanation, typically by a lawyer, at the start of a trial, outlining the evidence that will be presented without making an argument for a particular side.
Opening Statement definition: Introductory remarks made by an attorney at the commencement of a trial, in which he outlines the evidence that is expected to be proven.
A statement made by an attorney or self-represented party at the beginning of a trial before evidence is introduced. The opening statement outlines the party's legal position and previews the evidence that will be introduced later.
Definition for opening statement n. the explanation by the attorneys for both sides at the beginning of the trial of what will be proved during the trial. The defendant's attorney may delay the opening statement for the defense until the plaintiff's evidence has been introduced.
opening statement n : a statement to the jury by trial counsel before the presentation of evidence that usually explains the nature of the case, the factual matters to be proven, and the evidence to be presented and that summarizes the arguments to be made
