Hit the Ground Running: The Complete Opening Statement Supported by Empirical Research and Illustrations

24 Suffolk Journal of Trial & Appellate Advocacy 171

Pepperdine University Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2019/3

45 Pages Posted: 12 Feb 2019 Last revised: 10 Jul 2019

See all articles by Harry M. Caldwell

Harry M. Caldwell

Pepperdine University - Rick J. Caruso School of Law

Deanne Elliot

Pepperdine University - Rick J. Caruso School of Law

Date Written: 2019

Abstract

Article focuses on the importance of a powerful compelling opening statement to maximize juror attention, comprehension, and retention. The article breaks opening statement into component parts: grab, personalization, chronology, list of key facts, mitigation of problematic facts, and conclusion. Every component is supported by research and illustrations.

Keywords: opening statement, jury, trial, advocacy, empirical research

Suggested Citation

Caldwell, Harry M. and Elliot, Deanne, Hit the Ground Running: The Complete Opening Statement Supported by Empirical Research and Illustrations (2019). 24 Suffolk Journal of Trial & Appellate Advocacy 171, Pepperdine University Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2019/3, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3333298

Harry M. Caldwell (Contact Author)

Pepperdine University - Rick J. Caruso School of Law ( email )

24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
United States

Deanne Elliot

Pepperdine University - Rick J. Caruso School of Law ( email )

24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
United States

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