Opening
What is the purpose of an opening statement?
To provide the jury with a roadmap of what the evidence will show.
What is the goal of a closing argument?
To persuade the jury by connecting the evidence to the legal elements.
What is the main goal of direct examination?
To let your witness tell their story clearly and support your side’s case theory.
What’s the purpose of cross-examination?
To challenge credibility and highlight weaknesses or inconsistencies.
What does the “hearsay” objection mean?
The witness is testifying about what someone else said outside of court.
Should openings include arguments or opinions?
No, openings should be factual and preview evidence, not argue.
Who speaks first and last in closing arguments?
The plaintiff/prosecution goes first and last (rebuttal).
What type of questions are allowed on direct?
Open-ended (who, what, when, where, why).
What type of questions are best used in cross?
Leading questions (that suggest the answer).
What’s the objection for a question that assumes facts not in evidence?
“Objection, assumes facts not in evidence.”
Name one thing you must establish for the plaintiff in a negligence case during your opening.
Duty, breach, causation, or damages.
What should a closing always tie back to?
The case’s theme and the burden of proof.
If your witness forgets something, what should you do?
Use a non-leading question or exhibit to refresh their memory.
If a witness tries to explain too much on cross, what should you do?
Politely cut them off and restate your question to regain control.
What’s the objection to a question that makes the answer obvious?
Leading
What is one persuasive technique you can use to make your opening memorable?
Storytelling, vivid imagery, or theme building
What kind of reasoning is most effective in closing — emotional, logical, or both?
Both — emotional appeal grounded in logical reasoning.
What is one good transition phrase to guide the jury through your direct?
“Let’s talk about what happened next” or “Now let’s move to the day of the accident.”
What’s one effective technique for impeaching a witness?
Using their prior statement to show inconsistency.
What’s the objection for a question unrelated to the case?
Relevance
In this case, how might the plaintiff frame the theme of the opening to emphasize Alex Miller’s negligence?
Something like “Running late is no excuse for running a yellow light that nearly ended a life.”
In this case, how could the defense use sympathy effectively in closing?
By emphasizing Alex Miller’s exhaustion and circumstances caring for his wife to show it was an understandable mistake, not negligence.
What is an example of a good direct question for Taylor Chen (plaintiff)?
“Can you describe what you saw as you entered the intersection?”
Give an example of a cross question the plaintiff might ask Alex Miller.
“You’d been awake since 5 a.m., hadn’t you?”
If an attorney keeps arguing with the witness or being rude, what objection can you raise?
Badgering the witness