Opening Speeches for the Prosecution in Criminal Proceedings

An advocate’s opening speech for the prosecution can be a key moment in a trial. If effective an opening will appear clear, seamless, and engaging, set out the allegation and context, and help a tribunal of fact focus on the key issues.

Underneath that there will often have been considerable preparation and consideration. Even when an opening is very brief and has been prepared at relatively short notice, a practised approach can make all the difference.

This webinar will look at some general points for preparation and structure, including tools for case analysis useful in drafting an opening speech.

It will consider what an opening speech should include and what might be a matter of discretion, what to focus on before different tribunals of fact, and, although different advocates will open in different ways, look at one possible approach to opening to a jury.

Have a question? If you have any comments or feedback on this content, please get in touch.

Resources:

• Law Training Centre | Visit their website

For more information on Law Training Centre, visit their partner profile by clicking the logo to the side of this video.

Learning objectives:

An understanding of some approaches to preparation and structuring of an opening prosecution speech

An understanding of key points to include and some points of discretion in the content of an opening speech, and how this might be adapted to different tribunals of fact in criminal trials

An understanding of one possible approach to opening to a jury