Closing Settlement Statement Form

Each closing argument usually lasts 20-60 minutes. Some jurisdictions limit how long the closing may be, and some jurisdictions allow some of that time to be reserved for later.

As the terms suggest, an opening statement comes at the beginning of the trial, while a closing argument occurs at the end of the trial after all the evidence is established.

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.

In a criminal trial by judge alone, these final arguments are delivered by Crown and defence counsel after the defence's case is finished. If defence counsel has presented evidence then she or he will be the first to make final arguments. Crown counsel will speak last.

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.

The prosecution goes first, followed by the defense and a rebuttal by the prosecution. Because the prosecution has the burden of proof, it gets the final word. After the closing arguments, the judge will give the jury its final instructions.Criminal juries must reach a unanimous verdict of guilty or not guilty.

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 may not contain any new information and may only use evidence introduced at trial.

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 may not contain any new information and may only use evidence introduced at trial.

Generally, closing arguments should include: a summary of the evidence. any reasonable inferences that can be draw from the evidence. an attack on any holes or weaknesses in the other side's case.