Define: Closing Arguments

At trial, a speech made by each party after all the evidence has been presented. The purpose is to review the testimony and evidence presented during the trial as part of forcefully explaining why your side should win. Especially in trials before a judge without a jury, it is common for both parties to waive their closing argument on the theory that the judge has almost surely already arrived at her decision.

A closing argument is the summation of a lawyer’s arguments at the conclusion of a trial. The closing argument does not provide new evidence. The plaintiff’s lawyer generally presents their closing arguments first by commenting on the evidence provided and how it proves their case. The defense follows answering questions made by the plaintiff or the government. They will talk about the defects of the state’s case and talk about the facts of the case which are favorable to their client. The defense may choose not to make a closing argument.

The plaintiff or the prosecution has a final chance to provide another argument, called the rebuttal, because they have the burden of proof to prove their case to the judge or jury.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.