What is Closing Argument?
The final oral statement made by each attorney to the jury at the conclusion of a trial, summarizing the evidence and arguing why the jury should rule in their client's favor.
Understanding Closing Argument
Closing arguments are the attorney's last opportunity to persuade the jury. Unlike opening statements, attorneys can draw inferences from the evidence, argue credibility of witnesses, and appeal to the jury's sense of justice. In personal injury cases, plaintiff's counsel often uses closing argument to humanize the client's suffering and present specific damage calculations.
Examples
- 1Plaintiff's attorney using per-diem argument to calculate pain and suffering
- 2Defense attorney arguing the injuries are not as severe as claimed
- 3Attorney reviewing key evidence and connecting it to jury instructions
Related Terms
Jury Instructions
Written legal directions given by the judge to the jury at the end of a trial, explaining the applicable law and the legal standards the jury must use to reach their verdict.
Verdict
The formal decision or finding made by a jury (or judge in a bench trial) on the questions of fact submitted to them during a trial.
Voir Dire
The jury selection process during which attorneys and the judge question potential jurors to determine their suitability and identify any biases that could affect their impartiality.
Per Diem Argument
A method of calculating pain and suffering damages by assigning a specific dollar amount to each day the plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer from their injuries.
Statute of Limitations
A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once the statute of limitations expires, the claim is typically barred forever.
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