Opening StatementsOpening Statements

David A. Longeretta, Esq.David A. Longeretta, Esq.

Jurors Interviewed after VerdictJurors Interviewed after Verdict

It has been discovered that jurors It has been discovered that jurors interviewed after the verdict indicated that interviewed after the verdict indicated that their ultimate decision corresponded with their ultimate decision corresponded with their tentative opinion after opening their tentative opinion after opening statements in over 80% of the cases. statements in over 80% of the cases.

A solid opening statement is crucial to A solid opening statement is crucial to having a 4 out of 5 chance of winning!having a 4 out of 5 chance of winning!

Road MapRoad Map You want the opening You want the opening

statement to serve as a statement to serve as a “bird’s eye” view or a “bird’s eye” view or a “road map” leading to “road map” leading to where the case is going where the case is going and how you will get and how you will get there.there.

The evidence will be The evidence will be introduced bit by bit and introduced bit by bit and in such a state resemble in such a state resemble the picture on a puzzle the picture on a puzzle box, an indication of what box, an indication of what those pieces will look like.those pieces will look like.

Providing OverviewProviding Overview

Aside from setting the tone and beginning Aside from setting the tone and beginning with a good opening statement, it is most with a good opening statement, it is most important to present a synopsis of the trial important to present a synopsis of the trial that is to follow.that is to follow.

The first step is the opening statement; The first step is the opening statement; second is the evidence and third, second is the evidence and third, summation.summation.

Introductory OverviewIntroductory Overview

The value of the introductory overview is The value of the introductory overview is so important because it will be the first so important because it will be the first such impact to which the jury will be such impact to which the jury will be exposed.exposed.

Always Remember: Always Remember:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS!IMPRESSIONS!