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Simple English definitions for legal terms

closing argument

Read a random definition: Industrial Espionage Act

A quick definition of closing argument:

Closing argument is the last chance for a lawyer to convince the judge or jury that they should win the case. It happens after all the evidence has been presented and both sides have rested their cases. The lawyer explains how the evidence supports their theory of the case and clarifies any issues that the jury must resolve to make a decision. The lawyer cannot ask the jury to consider anything other than what was presented in court. Both sides present a closing argument, and in a criminal case, the prosecutor and defense counsel make the argument, while in a civil case, the plaintiff's lawyer and defendant's lawyer make the argument.

A more thorough explanation:

Closing argument is the final chance for a lawyer to convince the judge or jury that their side should win the case. It happens after all the evidence has been presented and both sides have rested their cases. The lawyer uses this time to explain how the evidence supports their theory of the case and to clarify any issues that the jury must resolve to make a decision.

Closing arguments are powerful because they are the last thing the jury hears before making a decision. The lawyer can use creative strategies and techniques to convince the jury, but they must rely only on the evidence presented in court. They cannot ask the jury to consider anything else, like personal biases or prejudices.

Both sides in a trial present a closing argument. In a criminal case, the prosecutor and defense counsel each make a closing argument. In a civil case, the plaintiff's lawyer and the defendant's lawyer each make a closing argument.

In a criminal trial, the prosecutor might use their closing argument to remind the jury of the evidence presented that shows the defendant committed the crime. They might also explain why the defense's arguments don't make sense based on the evidence. The defense lawyer might use their closing argument to point out weaknesses in the prosecution's case and to argue that the evidence doesn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that their client committed the crime.

In a civil trial, the plaintiff's lawyer might use their closing argument to explain why the defendant is responsible for the harm the plaintiff suffered and to ask for a specific amount of money in damages. The defendant's lawyer might use their closing argument to argue that their client is not responsible for the harm or that the harm was not as severe as the plaintiff claims.

These examples illustrate how closing arguments are used to summarize the evidence and arguments presented in a trial and to persuade the judge or jury to make a decision in favor of one side or the other.

closing | closing costs

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18:46
do u have a dream school?
18:46
well i saw one is at fordham and one is at upenn and ik fordham isnt t14 but its better than temple and villanova
18:47
dream is duke
18:47
ooh interesting choice why Duke?
18:48
i got into fordham and so did the dumbass I was dating for like two months it’s not that hard
18:48
by which I mean if they let him in I don’t trust their standards
18:49
my dad went to duke law so i have been a fan forever
18:49
Duke is fun. I took a trip there when I was 19 or so. Really good time when I was a young rapscallion.
18:49
and ik i just dont think i gave myself enough time for a guaranteed 170+ performance
18:49
I didnt see if anyone answered my UGA question. Did anyone answer it?
18:53
@Dkkm11: are you not still a young rapscallion?
19:00
Nah, I am gray-bearded wizard.
19:02
Hmmm. I guess that’s okay.
19:03
Honestly, idk what I would call myself these days. Will probably not know until I can reflect on this part of my life which will be idk, in like 5 years when I am 32.
19:06
Does your life come in 5 year epochs typically?
19:06
Someone told me a while ago that I was probably molested as a kid because I don’t really have any clear memories of my childhood. But I don’t think I was.
1a2b3c4d26z
19:10
Inside thoughts!
19:10
this is where I post my inside thoughts
19:11
Nah, the fucked up thing about therapists is they try and make you think your parents are your enemy 99% of the time and really they should be telling you that your parents have almost no effect on the rest of your life. If they can get you to keep focusing on your parents they can keep making money.
19:12
Yeah, my life really does flow in about 5 years periods.
19:12
My crypto also flows in 5 day epochs too.
19:16
what do you do with your days as an unemployed crypto guy? do you play an instrument or something
19:47
please lawd
19:47
forgive me
19:47
its time to go back to tha old me
19:50
this is what i feel like when i get one single drill question right
19:50
when u get one wrong ;(
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