opening statements
Lawyers' first words
Opening statements are the initial remarks made by attorneys at the start of a trial, outlining what they intend to prove.
Each side presents their version of events and previews the evidence they'll offer: The prosecution's opening statement described a premeditated act.
Opening statements aren't evidence themselves—they're roadmaps for the jury.
The term extends to any introductory remarks framing a discussion or negotiation.
- ladies and gentlemenFormal crowd address
- juryLegal decision-making body
- addressSpeak to formally
- prosecutorGovernment's trial lawyer
- first impressionInstant assessment of someone
set the stage · judge · voir dire · burden of proof · beyond reasonable doubt · defense attorney · trial lawyer · reasonable doubt · defendant · roadmap · tell a story · plaintiff · oral arguments · defense · sworn testimony · remarks · courtroom drama · evidence
- courtroom ritualsoath, swearing in, all rise, closing arguments, sentencing
- Senate Confirmationsconfirmation vote, nominees, advice and consent, nomination hearings, committee vote
- court proceduresbail hearings, civil procedure, bench trials, criminal procedure, jury instructions
- courtroomjudge, jury, oath taking, lawyer, bench
- oratorypublic speaking, speeches, oration, orations, addresses
- openerscorkscrew, church key, churchkey, wine key, pull tab
opening statementsclosing arguments
Attorney's final jury address
closing statements · summations · closing remarks · post-mortem · rebuttal
opening statementsclosing remarks
Final statements concluding presentation
final words · farewell speech · wrap-up · conclusion · sign-off
state, opening, statement, opened, opens, opener, openings, reopen, unopened