OPENING STATEMENT

Also known as opening argument. An attorney’s or litigant’s first remarks at a trial to a judge or jury that summarizes their theory of the case and maps out where they see the case going over the course of trial, e.g. a prosecutor making an opening statement regarding his confidence in being able to prove that a defendant was guilty of murder. The opening statement is made first by the party who bears the burden of proof. In a criminal case, the prosecutor makes the first opening statement followed by counsel for the defense.