ello Everyone!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Can you guys think back to the O.J. Simpson trial? When the closing arguments

where taking place. Then you hears that one famous statement “If it doesn’t fit, you

must acquit”. By the one and only Johnny Cochran. This phrase was apart of what

is called closing arguments, which is where both parties sum up their concluding

Statement by reiterating the important arguments for the jury. A closing argument

occurs after the presentation of evidence. What should be in a prosecutor’s closing

argument consists of persuading the jury that the defendant is guilty. Being able to

explain why the facts and evidence introduced at trail proves the defendant

violated the particular law(s). Also being able to argue the reasonable inferences to

be drawn from the faces and evidence presented at trial. As for the Defense, they utilizing chaos and confusion are their weapons. The defense wants to try to undermine the credibility of the prosecutors case. They raise a doubt about the prosecution case and attempt to make the case seem larger.

There are about four steps you’d want to follow to make sure your closing

argument I strong enough. These steps consist of organize, argue, anticipate , and

deliver.

First Step: Organize

● Organize the evidence so that it simplifies the case for not just you but also the judge and jury.

● Cut all the info into small bites. You don’t want to go lengthy explaining one

thing.

● Structure your argument and make your closing argument simple and easy for jury

to follow.

For the introduction you ideally want to start strong. Summarize the main

point of your closing argument in one clear cut paragraph. Emphasize the big

points or parts of your case. It is important to get the jury’s attention right

from the start. Next is the charges. State what charges you want to be brought to

attention and explain them. Focus the jury’s attention on the real issues in dispute.

Explain how both facts and evidence presented at trial resolve the issues that are in

dispute. Then review all of the important evidence, but make sure you don’t t repeat the entire trail record.For the conclusion you need to end really strong! Summarize main facts that show why the defendant is guilty.

● Argue the reasonable inferences that can be drawn from the evidence

Step second step is Argue.

• You must Explain why the evidence resolves the issues in dispute in your favor
• Argue the reasonable inferences that can be drawn from the evidence presented
• State the facts We absorb information both visually and aurally
• explain why those facts support your conclusion

Use visual aids

• explain why those facts support your conclusion

Use visual aids

Step 3 Anticipate

• Try to see the case through the eyes of the juror
• Point out the weakness of your case
• Address it in a careful and true way
• Answer the those grey area questions for the jury

The final step is Step 4 deliver

How you say it is as important as what you say. Also body language is key for this part. You want to maintain eye contact with the jury. Try to read your outline as less as possible. Speak up and speak clearly in order to be heard. Pace yourself so you can be understood. Keep all the hand gestures controlled and to a minimum.

This is all that is needed for your closing arguments to be steller and compelling enough to make a jury want to side with you on a case. I’ve broken down most of the key parts in a case. Know you all should be able to understand how much goes into a trial for both the prosecution and defense sides.