Opening Statement for Mock Trial?

Question

I'm working on a mock trial and I need to write an opening statement. I'm a defense attorney and my client is charged with attempted school bombing. What should I talk about in respect to evidence, witnesses, etc?

Answer 1

You can approach this from many angles, but remember that you are trying to tell the jury what you intend to prove.

You can also appeal to their sense of justice, that the strength of the US is that we agree to live by the rule of law.

You can talk about the letter of the law vs the spirit of the law.

You can certainly talk about what the citizens of the US feel about crimes like the one your client is accused of, but the fact that its reprehensible and awful and contrary to everything you believe in, your client is still innocent until proven guilty.

You can tell them that if the prosecution does not prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt then by law they are required for find your client NOT GUILTY.

You should thank them for giving their time to this jury process.

Answer 2

if i recall correctly an opening statement is where you tell the jury what you intend to prove.

Example: "Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, my client (insert name) is accused of (insert crime). I/we intend to prove through evidence and witnesses that my client could not have possibly committed this crime.