Opening; Summation

• Author: Leonard H. Bucklin
• Pages: 357-368

20. Opening; Summation

This section contains the attorney’s notes for his opening statement and closing argu-

ment. These notes are needed, whether the case is to be a jury or court trial.

The purpose of form §20.1 is to encourage you to consider and develop your opening

statement and closing argument early in the case.

Shortly before trial, look over the opening statement rough notes you made on this

form §20.1 during the course of the litigation. Then work up a formal outline of the

opening statement, and put that outline in this section of the trial notebook. It will be

available for quick review the day before — and in the five minutes before — you rise to

make your opening statement.

Follow the same procedure for your summation notes. That is: Keep rough notes on

form §20.1, then replace them with your final outline, and they will be there for quick

review before you rise to make your closing argument.

(Rev. 6, 6/10)

20-1