Defense Opening Statements
The defense opening statement is a summary of the defendant's position. The opening statement should be a word processed document that covers in detail the following items:
- A plea. This plea can be not guilty, guilty, or guilty with some exceptions.
- Define the crime. Is there one? How serious is it?
- Theme of the argument. For example, justice, illiteracy, economics, or stupidity.
- Ethical arguments must be used. This means pertaining to "right" and "wrong." Use your sense of morality when developing your arguments.
- Use persuasive strategies: Give Precedent, Predict Results, Call for Fairness, and Respond to Objections.
Click here to return to the Black Sox trial