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.

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