Opening Statement Template Mock Trial

Here is a template and suggestions for writing a prosecution opening.
Opening statement template mock trial. It is the first impression the jury will have of a case and so it can make or break a verdict. In a trial the opening argument is the lawyer s first chance to win over the judge and jury. Dulsa 2017 18 season an opening statement is not an argument or a discussion of the law but rather tells the jury what the evidence will show and serves as a road map for the jury to follow. For the prosecution this can include actual physical evidence such as a diagram or letter.
In a mock trial typically the prosecutor has 3 or 4 witnesses and the time spent on an opening will be 5 minutes or less. How to write a defense opening statement for a mock trial. The defendant stands here today wrongly accused of the crime of a very serious matter. The above outline is a real basic opening statement.
Lawyers for both sides use the opening statement to paint a picture for the jury about the nature of the case the key facts and circumstances the witnesses the evidence and the final verdict they hope to obtain. The opening statement in a mock trial is basically a formal introduction to the case. To some it is a little bland or formulaic but in my job as a criminal defense lawyer i do often see prosecutors deliver such openings. These should be referenced and used during opening statements by the prosecution.
A short explanation of the evidence that will be presented. Good afternoon my name is so and so and it is my pleasure to represent the state of columbus and to serve as a prosecutor on this very important case. In mock trials opening arguments are just as important. Objections by the opposing counsel are not permitted.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the jury my name is so and so and it is my privilege to represent name of client in this case before you today. How to write a prosecution opening statement for mock trial. The opening statement is the place to present a side s theory of the case and any important facts that will come to light during the trial. Your mock trial defense opening statement might go a little like this.
Read the facts of all the witness statements or ones assigned to them prepare an opening statement to the judge or jury that explains their theory of the case or their story prepare questions for the witnesses prepare a closing argument that can be added to if they learn new things during the trial witnesses should.