Closing Argument Template

Closing Argument Template HOOK – Start with a quick phrase/quote that sums up your argument of the case HEADLINE – one or two follow-up sentences giving context for your hook and how it relates to your story of the case QUICK SUMMARY/WHY WE ARE HERE – “We are here today because Andrew Madison is wrongfully/rightfully (def/pro) charged with X, and so we had to prove Y and Z…” THE EVIDENCE – go back over everything that came out in trial (might have to make adjustments if someone gets in evidence you didn’t expect, or keeps out evidence of yours that you expected to get in). DO NOT just list the evidence. Talk about how each piece fits into an element of your crime/affirmative defense.  Your witness 1 – “You heard from ___, who was [relationship to the case and the other witnesses]. And they told you about X, which was important because Y” Your witness 2 – Your witness 3 – - “Now, you also heard from the [Prosecution/Defense].  Opposition witness 1 – “They brought ___ to talk to you today, the [relationship to the case and other witnesses. And they told you about X…and [Prosecution/Defense] would have you believe that is important because of Y, but clearly that is wrong because Z,” AND/OR, “but they shouldn’t be believed because ___” Opposition witness 2 – Opposition witness 3 - BURDEN OF PROOF – If you’re prosecution, you have beyond a reasonable doubt. Admit that its an important burden, but really emphasize that its not beyond ALL doubt, and its not about being ABSOLUTELY sure, its just about being beyond all reasonable doubt. Tell them to keep their common sense when looking at Defense’s theories.  If you’re Defense, really want to play up how high a burden Prosecution has, “the highest burden of proof in our criminal justice system, because we are talking about a man’s freedom.” Also, you have an affirmative defense that requires preponderance of the evidence, you should quickly explain what that means (“more likely than not,” always good to have some kind of analogy, like scales) TELL JURY WHAT YOU WANT – Tell them they have an important decision to make. Remind them what evidence can best help them make that decision (the stuff that is good for your side). Then, tell them the actual decision you want them to reach: You want them to find Andrew Madison guilty/not guilty, because that is the only verdice that the evidence supports and that justice demands