Article focuses on the importance of a powerful compelling opening statement to maximize juror attention, comprehension, and retention. The article breaks opening statement into component parts: grab, personalization, chronology, list of key facts, mitigation of problematic facts, and conclusion. Every component is supported by research and illustrations.
Keywords: opening statement, jury, trial, advocacy, empirical research
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Caldwell, Harry M. and Elliot, Deanne, Hit the Ground Running: The Complete Opening Statement Supported by Empirical Research and Illustrations (2019). 24 Suffolk Journal of Trial & Appellate Advocacy 171, Pepperdine University Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2019/3, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3333298
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
United States
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
United States