Opening statement

• Author: Jim Wren/Laura Brown
• Pages: 329-348

OPENING STATEMENT

15-1

CHAPTER 15

OPENING STATEMENT

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE OPENING STATEMENT

§15:01 The Three Vital Phases of Trial

§15:02 We Adopt Viewpoints at an Early Stage

§15:03 The Value of the Underlying Principles

II. WHAT JURORS DON’T NEED

§15:10 Unsupported and Argumentative Conclusions

§15:11 Overly Dramatic Presentations

§15:12 Arguments or Plays for Sympathy

§15:13 Things That Waste Their Time

III. WHAT JURORS DO NEED

§15:20 Answers to Their Basic Questions

§15:21 Facts Presented in a Coherent Format

§15:22 A Credible Source

§15:23 A Sense of Signif‌icance to Their Role

IV. KEY COMPONENTS OF THE OPENING STATEMENT

§15:30 Considering the Foundation

§15:31 Structuring the Opening Statement

V. CONSTRUCTING AND PRESENTING EACH PART

§15:40 The Goals of the Introduction Phase

§15:41 Constructing and Presenting the Introduction

§15:42 Constructing the Conf‌lict (Bad Choices) Phase

§15:43 Constructing the Crisis (Hostage Taking) Phase

§15:44 Constructing the Conclusion (Chance for Rescue) Phase

VI. ADDITIONAL CONCERNS

§15:50 Inoculate Against Bad Facts the Right Way

§15:51 Handle Argumentative Objections in Stride

§15:52 Explain the Burden of Proof the Right Way

§15:53 Don’t Buy Into the Language of the Defense

§15:54 Remember You’re on the Right Side

OPENING STATEMENT

Proving Damages to the Jury 15-2

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