when does the defense attorney give their closing statement

by Dan Vandervort 10 min read

The closing statement is the attorney’s final statement to the jury before deliberation begins. The attorney reiterates the important arguments, summarizes what the evidence has and has not shown, and requests jury to consider the evidence and apply the law in his or her client’s favor. What to know before drafting a closing

A closing argument, summation, or summing up is the concluding statement of each party's counsel reiterating the important arguments for the trier of fact, often the jury, in a court case. A closing argument occurs after the presentation of evidence.

Full Answer

What is a closing statement in a criminal case?

When does the defense attorney give their closing statement? Why their clients are innocent. What does the defense attorney emphasize to the jury during their closing statement? direct examination. The first series of questions asked by the Prosecutor or defense when presenting their OWN case.

Can a defense attorney give a closing argument?

The lawyer for the plaintiff or government usually goes first. The lawyer sums up and comments on the evidence in the most favorable light for his or her side, showing how it proved what he or she had to prove to prevail in the case. After that side has made its case, the defense then presents its closing arguments.

Who first makes the closing argument in a criminal case?

The closing statement is the attorney’s final statement to the jury before deliberation begins. The attorney reiterates the important arguments, summarizes what the evidence has and has not shown, and requests jury to consider the evidence and apply the law in his or her client’s favor.

Who is entitled to give the closing argument in a trial?

when does the defense attorney give their CLOSING STATEMENT. when done with the case. what does the defense attorney emphasize to the jury during their closing statements. why the defendant is innocent. direct examination. the first series of questions asked by the prosecutor or defense attorney when they are presenting their case.

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Who gets the final closing statement?

The plaintiff, having the burden of proof, usually has the right to give her closing argument first, followed by the defendant's closing argument. In many jurisdictions, the plaintiff may use all of the allotted time, or the plaintiff may reserve time (e.g., ten minutes) to use after the defendant's closing argument.

What is a closing statement by defense?

For defense counsel, closing argument is the last chance to remind the jury of the prosecution's high burden of proof and to persuade the jury that there is, at a minimum, reasonable doubt as to the defendant's guilt.

Why do lawyers make a closing statement?

The closing statement is the attorney's final statement to the jury before deliberation begins. The attorney reiterates the important arguments, summarizes what the evidence has and has not shown, and requests jury to consider the evidence and apply the law in his or her client's favor.

What happens after Defence closing speech?

When all the evidence has been given, the prosecution and then the defence will make their closing speeches when they will try to convince the jury of their respective cases. Finally, the judge sums up. This means they will go over the facts of the case and tell you, the jury, about the relevant law.

What does a closing statement consist of?

A mortgage closing statement lists all of the costs and fees associated with the loan, as well as the total amount and payment schedule. A closing statement or credit agreement is provided with any type of loan, often with the application itself.

How do I start a Defence closing statement?

HOW TO WRITE A DEFENSE CLOSING ARGUMENT FOR MOCK TRIALThe Greeting. ... The Thank You. ... Lack of Evidence. ... Echo Themes and Theories. ... Critiquing the State's Case. ... Burden of Proof. ... Highlight the Testimony from Your Witnesses. ... Conclusion.More items...

Does defense Get rebuttal?

The defense will then be able to rebut the rebuttal if desired, and this process will continue until both sides are satisfied the jury has heard all of the necessary evidence.

Can you object during closing arguments?

A closing argument occurs after the presentation of evidence. A closing argument may not contain any new information and may only use evidence introduced at trial. It is not customary to raise objections during closing arguments, except for egregious behavior.

What happens at the end of a trial?

Closing arguments. At the conclusion of the presentation of all the evidence there remain two very important steps: closing arguments and the judge's instructions to the jury.

When must a defence statement be served?

14 daysFollowing service of initial disclosure by the prosecution, the time limit for service of the defence statement and service of the details of any defence witnesses is 14 days in the magistrates' court and 28 days in the Crown Court, unless that period has been extended by the court.Oct 21, 2021

How important is a defence statement?

The defence statement should be clear, accurate and relevant to assist the parties (including the Court) to understand exactly what defence the defendant proposes to rely upon at his trial. This is all done in the spirit of trying to deal with cases justly, efficiently and swiftly.Oct 16, 2019

What is defence evidence?

inquiry shall end with his defence; if he records a written defence, or exhibits evidence, the prosecutor shall be entitled ... case, and may also exhibit evidence to contradict any evidence exhibited for the defence, in which case the person accused. Central Government Act.

Structuring The Argument

  • In structuring the closing argument, it is important to: 1. Use a simple, logical structure that repeats the theme introduced in the opening statement; 2. Build on that theme while refuting the prosecution's witnesses and conclusions; 3. Answer the questions you think the judge or jury mi…
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Goals and Techniques

  • The goal of the defense lawyer's closing argument is to tie together the defense's evidence in a strong and persuasive manner for the judge or jury. During closing arguments, the defense lawyer should: 1. Humanize the defendant: use the defendant's name, share positive facts about his/her life, help the judge or jury connect with the defendant; 2. Discuss the relevant law to the defenda…
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Delivering The Closing Argument

  • Prepare the closing argument early, anticipating the evidence, witnesses, and issues likely to arise during trial. However, the closing argument won’t be finalized until all the evidence is delivered and the prosecution has given their closing argument. So the amount of emphasis placed on certain evidence may change depending on the trial. Nonetheless, there are simple techniques that sho…
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Sample Themes For A Defense Lawyer's Closing Argument

  • Themes are ways of neatly connecting the defense's arguments throughout the case. A good theme can persuade a judge or jury or aid in recall of key facts. Focus on finding a short, memorable phrase that encompasses the central emotion or theory of the casewhich can be referred to throughout the trial. Several common themes are:
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Summary

  • A closing statement is a statement made at the end of a debate, or more often, a legal trial, delivered by a representative of each side of the case or debate. It is the last chance for both parties of said debate or trial to state their argument, and hopefully affect the verdict or outcome in their favor. Often, the closing statement is the most important and memorable part of the lega…
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Characteristics

  • There are several defining characteristics of a closing statement. First of all, any reference to a closing statement is usually referring to one presented at the end of a legal trial, though it can sometimes mean the final statement of a professional debate, or the conclusion of a speech. All three of these types of statements share similar qualities, however.
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Mechanism

  • A closing statement must be persuasive, because it is delivered by one who supports a particular side of an argument. In the legal sense, a closing statement is delivered by the attorney on either side of the case: the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney. If the defendant or plaintiff, the person or company on each side of the case, is unrepresented, meaning without a lawyer to …
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Trial

  • A closing statements initial purpose is to summarize the findings of the trial, which has already taken place before the statement is delivered. The findings of the trial include anything of merit that has been discussed or discovered throughout the case, such as what kind of evidence has been presented, and what sort of information the witnesses for both the prosecution and defens…
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Introduction

  • A closing statement needs to incorporate a few key elements in order to accomplish its goal, to persuade those listening of a particular fact or idea. These elements should be organized and addressed to both the jury and the judge, who are responsible for the verdict and the possible sentence, respectively. These elements include:
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Analysis

  • What has developed since: This part of the statement is more like a summarization of the trial itself. This is the part of your statement that should include any piece of evidence or testimony from a witness that favors your side of the argument. Anything that casts doubt upon the innocence of your client should, of course, be left out of your closing statement, unless you can …
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Significance

  • A closing statement often proves to be the most dramatic or memorable part of the legal process. The concept of justice and punishing those who have done wrong is inherently exciting for people, and fictional books and television shows play off that excitement all the time. A very famous fictional example of a closing statement comes from Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird. In the n…
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Quotes

  • For better or for worse, a closing statement, if crafted and delivered well, can turn the tide of a legal trial, and help you to succeed in winning the case, whether youre on the side of the prosecution or the defense. The power of persuasion and the ability to deliver a convincing statement is a highly sought after and powerful skill.
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