Closing Statement
The closing argument is one of the most important parts of a trial, as the entire trial leads up to the summation. The argument is especially significant if the outcome of the trial is too close to predict. At that point, all that matters is the attorney's last minute attempt to persuade the jury to find in favor of his or her client.
During the summation, all of the evidentiary pieces should be brought together and the case should be presented in a strong, fluid, and persuasive manner. All points that help prove the elements establishing the theory of the case must be fully explained. The closing should be performed in a simple, yet precise way.
Closing statements should:
> Begin with a proper address to the court.
> Persuasively and forcefully summarize the strong points from witness testimony.
> Note flaws in the testimony, which support the claims of your side.
> Be well organized (it may be wise to present the strongest point at the outset and again at the end of
the closing argument)
> Prosecution in criminal cases- emphasize that guilt beyond doubt was shown by the state, or
> Defendants in criminal cases—raise questions about the weight of the evidence.
> Be presented so that notes are barely necessary and eye contact can be established.
> Be emotional and strongly appealing (unlike the “neutral” opening statements).
Proper phrasing may include:
> the evidence has clearly shown that...
> based on this testimony, there can be no doubt that...
> the evidence overwhelmingly shows that...
Closing arguments should conclude with
SAY, “Your Honor (if a bench trial) Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury you have carefully listened and have heard the facts in this case. Now you must decide the verdict, considering...”
During the summation, all of the evidentiary pieces should be brought together and the case should be presented in a strong, fluid, and persuasive manner. All points that help prove the elements establishing the theory of the case must be fully explained. The closing should be performed in a simple, yet precise way.
Closing statements should:
> Begin with a proper address to the court.
> Persuasively and forcefully summarize the strong points from witness testimony.
> Note flaws in the testimony, which support the claims of your side.
> Be well organized (it may be wise to present the strongest point at the outset and again at the end of
the closing argument)
> Prosecution in criminal cases- emphasize that guilt beyond doubt was shown by the state, or
> Defendants in criminal cases—raise questions about the weight of the evidence.
> Be presented so that notes are barely necessary and eye contact can be established.
> Be emotional and strongly appealing (unlike the “neutral” opening statements).
Proper phrasing may include:
> the evidence has clearly shown that...
> based on this testimony, there can be no doubt that...
> the evidence overwhelmingly shows that...
Closing arguments should conclude with
SAY, “Your Honor (if a bench trial) Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury you have carefully listened and have heard the facts in this case. Now you must decide the verdict, considering...”
Documents to Use
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Mock Trial Closing Argument Speech Self Evaluation | |
File Size: | 44 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Mock Trial Practice Record | |
File Size: | 51 kb |
File Type: | doc |
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