Making Opening and Closing Arguments in Philadelphia Criminal Trials

Making Opening and Closing Arguments in Philadelphia Criminal Trials

Giving a compelling opening and closing argument is key to winning a criminal trial in Philadelphia. As an attorney, you need to grab the jury’s attention from the start and leave them with a lasting final impression that gets them to vote your way. But doing this effectively takes strategy, storytelling skills, and knowledge of the unique local legal landscape.

Hooking the Jury in Your Opening Statement

Your opening argument is the first chance to frame the case in the jury’s mind. So you need to quickly get their attention and make your key points memorable. A strong opening should:

• Tell a Compelling Story: Lay out the core narrative in dramatic fashion so it captures interest. Discuss the people and stakes involved emotionally.
• Foreshadow Your Themes: Establish the key 2-3 themes you will hammer throughout trial. Give a memorable preview of how the evidence ties together.
• Set Expectations: Explain what you must prove and preview the flow of witness testimony to come. This primes jurors on what to look for.
• Appear Confident: Display total faith in your case and that you will meet the burden of proof. Any doubt here can sink you.
• Stay Concise: Keep it to 20-30 minutes max. Draw in the jury quickly then sit down while you have momentum. Don’t risk losing them early.

The exact approach depends on if you are defense or prosecution.

For prosecutors…

For defense attorneys…

Local Examples

Look at this high-profile Philadelphia murder trial opening argument for inspiration…

On the flip side, review how this Philly public defender began their drug case defense. First he reminds that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty and that the state must eliminate reasonable doubt. He then outlines inconsistencies to come in police accounts about questionable search procedures and supposed anonymous informants. This seeds skepticism and signals he will put the prosecution to strict proof.

Closing Argument Techniques

While opening statements set the tone, closing arguments are your last chance to decisively influence the jury before deliberations. An effective finale should:

• Summarize Key Points: Recap the core facts and testimony that compel a verdict for your side. Remind the jury of themes established early on.
• Connect Evidence: Walk step-by-step through how the evidence adds up to prove your case theory beyond doubt or creates holes in the opposition’s claims.
• Appeal to Logic and Emotion: Reason with the jury on how the law applied to facts requires them to return the just outcome you seek. But also tap their sentiments.
• Acknowledge Weak Spots: Confront your vulnerabilities head on rather than ignoring them. Offer counter explanations why questionable areas are not deal breakers.
• Drive Your Ask: Demand the exact jury decision you want as the only fair one given the trial record. Do not leave wiggle room or give them potential outs.

Prosecution closings often harp on how ignoring clear proof of heinous actions would make the jury culpable in injustice. They will stress respect for victim rights and fear of enabling more crime if letting this defendant go unpunished.

But defense attorneys commonly highlight…

Local Examples

Analyze this closing argument transcript from a Philadelphia homicide case…

Meanwhile this Philly drug trial lawyer’s closing statement aims to neutralize the prosecution…

Crafting Your Legal Story

Mastering opening and closing arguments in Philadelphia courts is really about skillful legal storytelling…