Opening statements

• Pages: 243-260
• Author: Jonathan Dichter

OPENING STATEMENTS

3-1

CHAPTER 3

OPENING STATEMENTS

I. STRATEGIES AND TACTICS

§3:01 Stand and Deliver a Good Story

§3:01.1 The Seven-Line Story Spine as a Tool

§3:02 When to Reserve Opening Until After Prosecution’s Case

§3:03 Set the Tone

§3:04 A Strong First Chapter, Not a Trial Road Map

§3:05 Grab Jurors’ Attention

§3:06 Establish Rapport and Humanize Your Client

§3:07 Fill in the Blanks With Positive Information

§3:08 Point Out Problems With the Prosecution’s Case

§3:08.1 Be Honest About Problems in Your Case

§3:09 Tell Jurors About Your Defense

§3:10 Boost the Officer and Prosecution Expert so

You Can Knock Them Down on Cross-Examination

§3:11 Use Element of Surprise to Your Advantage

§3:12 Go Out of Order if Called for

§3:13 Wake Up the Jurors

II. SAMPLE OPENINGS

§3:20 Who Was Driving

§3:21 Refusals

§3:22 FSTs

§3:23 Rising Blood Alcohol

§3:24 Keeping an Open Mind

§3:25 It Wasn’t My Client

§3:26 The Missing Element

§3:27 You Cannot Believe the Officer

§3:28 Quick Ideas for Basic Issues

OPENING STATEMENTS

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