Topic
Closing Arguments
52 published works
EvidenceProf Blog
Supreme Court of Kentucky Finds No Error With Prosecutor Comparing Defendant’s Conduct to “Grand Theft Auto” in Closing Argument
By Colin Miller
Some courts have found that prosecutors are per se prohibited from making "send a message" arguments to jurors during closing arguments in which they suggest that the jury has some…
Hawaii Legal News
How “reasonable” is a reasonable inference when it comes to closing arguments? Context is key.
By Unknown
State v. Willis (HSC July 22, 2025). Erik Willis was indicted for attempted murder in the second degree. Before trial, he filed motions to dismiss and suppress evidence. The circuit…
Legal Profession Blog
The “We Know” Gamble
The Kansas Supreme Court found harmless error in improper use of the phrase "we know" by a prosecutorCherry alleges that four statements made by the State's attorney during closing argument…
Cross-Examination Blog
Design Your Cross-Examination with Closing Argument on Your Mind
By Unknown
Cross-examination and closing argument are inextricably intertwined. Cross-examination should be crafted with closing argument in mind. The primary purpose of cross is to gain concessions supporting your case theory. In…
EvidenceProf Blog
Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts Rejects Defendant’s Argument That Prosecutor Erred by Saying He “Circled the Victim Like a Shark”
By Colin Miller
In Commonwealth v. Collins, 373 N.E.2d 969 (Mass. 1978), the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts reversed a defendant's murder conviction based upon the prosecutor referring to him as an "animal"…
Paul W. Mollica Federal Courts Blog
District Court Did Not Err in Denying Defense Attorney Leave to Show Previously-Unseen Video Clips During Closing Argument, Holds Eleventh Circuit
In United States v. Simmons, No. 22-12148 (11th Cir. Dec. 6, 2024), the Eleventh Circuit affirms a drug and firearm possession conviction, holding that the district court did not err…
Pretrial, Trial, Appellate & Evidence Blog
FREE copy of ADDRESSING THE JURY: OPENING STATEMENT & CLOSING ARGUMENT
Get your FREE COPY of ADDRESSING THE JURY: OPENING STATEMENT & CLOSING ARGUMENTGet your FREE COPY of ADDRESSING THE JURY: OPENING STATEMENT AND CLOSING ARGUMENT - CLICK HEREAddressing the Jury:…
PrawfsBlawg
Trump on Closing Arguments
Main Tuesday, May 28, 2024Trump on Closing ArgumentsHe happens to be right. It is quite unfair that the prosecution gets to argue last, although I have never known a Republican…
Pretrial, Trial, Appellate & Evidence Blog
New Book Launch – Addressing the Jury: Opening Statement and Closing Argument
Just launched a new book Addressing the Jury: Opening Statement and Closing Argument. Addressing the Jury offers an in-depth explanation of how to craft a winning opening statement and summation…
Pretrial, Trial, Appellate & Evidence Blog
How to Conclude Your Closing Argument
When you reach the end of your closing argument, you want a powerful conclusion, and here is how you can accomplish that end. First, you can return to your case…