opening arguments
Lawyers' first statements
Opening arguments are the initial statements made by attorneys at the start of a trial, outlining what they intend to prove.
Each side presents a roadmap of its case—what evidence will be shown and what conclusions the jury should draw.
Despite the name, these are presentations rather than arguments; persuasive argumentation comes in closing arguments.
The prosecution's opening arguments painted the defendant as calculating and methodical.
prosecution
Pursuing legal charges
evidence · testimony · courtroom · plaintiff · defendant · counsel · judge · verdict · burden of proof · objection
rhetoric
Art of persuasive language
compelling · eloquence · narrative · framing · credibility · theme · strategy · hook · attention · impression
opening argumentsclosing arguments
Attorney's final jury address
closing remarks · summation · closing statement · verdict · rebuttal
opening argumentsconclusion
End or deduction
closing remarks · summation · wrap-up · peroration · epilogue
opening, arguments, open, argument, argue, argued, argues, arguing, arguable