Glossary
Closing argument
The presentation each side gives at the end of trial, after all evidence has been introduced, summarizing the case and arguing why their side should win. This is where lawyers can openly persuade.
By closing, both sides have presented everything. The lawyers can now connect the dots: point to specific evidence, attack the credibility of opposing witnesses, walk through the law the judge will instruct on, and ask the jury to reach a particular verdict.
In civil cases, the plaintiff usually goes first, the defendant next, and the plaintiff gets a brief rebuttal. Closing arguments are often the most memorable part of a trial, but in practice juries usually decide based on the evidence: not the speeches about the evidence.