CLOSING ARGUMENT

Also known as closing argument or the summation. A summary made by an attorney or prosecutor at the end of a trial, summarizing the case, what has been litigated, and requesting a verdict on their behalf from the trier of fact, the judge or jury. For example, a prosecutor making a closing statement discussing how the evidence presented at court provides conclusive proof for a jury to return a verdict of first degree murder. The lawyer for the plaintiff or government usually goes first and will typically have a right to make a second concluding argument, known as a rebuttal, solely in response to those specific issues raised by the defendant in the defendant’s closing statement.