Guidelines for Drafting a Closing Argument
Purpose: To persuade the jurors to adopt your view of the significance of the evidence and your view of the case. Attorneys are free to argue the merits of their case: “As we know from Witness A’s compelling testimony, Event X occurred, which clearly establishes who should be held responsible in this case.”
To the jurors: You have seen and heard the factual evidence in this case. I would like to review with you the key evidence presented today.
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Factual Evidence |
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How it supports your case |
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Factual Evidence |
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How it supports your case |
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Factual Evidence |
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How it supports your case |
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Comments on the credibility of witnesses:
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How do the puzzle pieces of evidence and testimony fit into a compelling whole? This is your narrative of what happened.
Bottom Line: Why should the jurors decide in favor of your client?
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