Opening Statement - Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP

Opening Statements

Every jury trial begins with voir dire and selection of the jurors who will decide the disputed issues of fact. It is during this time that the jurors begin to learn what the case is about; what facts may be presented. The first opportunity a lawyer has to fully present the facts to those jurors, however, is opening statement. Though it may seem like it should go without saying, the opening statement should [...]

Teaching Trial Practice—Foundation is the Foundation; Part 1.

Brian J. Brislen2018-04-24T00:08:58-05:00September 29th, 2011|Closing Argument, Cross Examination, Direct/Redirect Examination, Nebraska Litigation & Trial Advisor, Opening Statement, Trial, Witness Preparation|

This week I am in Lansing Michigan for a trial competition hosted by the Michigan State University College of Law in Lansing Michigan. As is the case every year, the team I have taught for Creighton University School of Law is comprised of four third year law students. The team has spent five nights per week for over a month preparing this year’s case problem. My “co-coach,” Amy Zacharias, a [...]