What do lawyers say at the beginning?

Asked by: Tabitha Hoeger  |  Last update: February 3, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (44 votes)

At the beginning of a trial, lawyers introduce themselves, state who they represent, and give the judge/jury a roadmap of their case, outlining key facts, the narrative, and what they intend to prove, all while avoiding argument and focusing on a clear, concise story to build credibility. They'll say things like, "Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is [Name], and I represent the plaintiff/defendant," followed by a brief, chronological overview of the evidence and what they expect to show.

What do lawyers say at the beginning of court?

An opening statement gives you a chance to introduce the facts of the case and outline your argument. It's not about presenting evidence or making legal arguments just yet—it's about painting a picture of what the jury can expect. A strong opening statement helps: Establish credibility with the jury.

How do lawyers start their opening statement?

A typical introduction: “Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is (full name), representing the prosecution/defendant in this case.” If they have already been introduced, some attorneys just go right into their opening to save time, create drama, and make it look more like a real trial.

What should you say when opening a case?

When opening a case, you should introduce yourself and the parties, tell a clear, compelling story from your perspective, provide a roadmap of the evidence you'll present, state your case theory, and explain what you want the jury to do, all while avoiding argument and using relatable language to establish a strong, credible foundation. 

What do they say at the start of a trial?

If you are the first person to make an opening speech, you should start by introducing yourself and the other side to the court. For example, by saying: 'Your Honour, I appear on behalf of the Claimant/Prosecution in this case and my learned friend Mr/Ms [Name] appears for the Defendant. '

How to Argue Like a Lawyer (and WIN) with 4-Step Formula

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What are common court sayings?

Common Courtroom Phrases

  • As jurors you are not to be swayed by sympathy.
  • Bail should be continued.
  • Call your next witness.
  • Can you tell the jury…?
  • Could you briefly describe …?
  • Could you describe the appearance of (a package, etc.)?
  • Counsel, lay a foundation.
  • Defendant will be remanded.

What is an example of an opening speech?

Example of speech opening:

Today, I am here to talk about the evolution of technology and its effect on communication, from typewriters of old to the smartphones of today.” Relatability: Find common ground with your audience.

What are the 7 stages of a case?

The 7 stages of a criminal trial generally include Jury Selection, Opening Statements, Prosecution's Case (witnesses/evidence), Defense's Case, followed by Closing Arguments, Jury Instructions, and finally, the Verdict and potential Sentencing, though pre-trial phases like investigation, arraignment, and discovery also precede these. These steps guide the presentation of evidence and arguments, culminating in a decision by the jury or judge. 

How to begin a legal statement?

Structure Your Statement

Case Overview: Provide a concise summary of the case, introducing the main parties involved and the core issues at hand. Facts in Chronological Order: Present the key facts in a logical, chronological order. This helps the jury understand the sequence of events and how they relate to the case.

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
 

What is the best introduction for a lawyer?

Here are some examples of self-introductions that incorporate relevant skills and experience:

  • “Hello, I'm [Name], a corporate attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions. ...
  • “Good afternoon, I'm [Name], an intellectual property lawyer focusing on patent litigation.

How to impress a judge in court?

To impress a judge, be prepared, respectful, and credible by dressing appropriately, arriving early, knowing your case thoroughly, staying calm and polite (using "Your Honor"), speaking clearly and directly, avoiding exaggeration or opinion, and showing active engagement through note-taking. Judges value clarity, honesty, and efficiency, so provide easy-to-understand facts and solutions rather than emotional outbursts or unrequested details, allowing your attorney to handle communication. 

What's the first step in starting a case?

Gather and share evidence (discovery)

To prepare for your case, you'll need to gather information you can use as evidence to make your case or to figure out what information the other side plans to use to make their case. To do this, you'll use a legal process called discovery.

What are some legal phrases?

The following definitions will make it easier for you to understand common legal words and phrases used frequently during a trial.

  • Action, Case, Suit. A legal dispute brought into court for a hearing or trial.
  • Answer. ...
  • Acquit. ...
  • Cause of Action. ...
  • Challenge for Cause. ...
  • Closing Argument. ...
  • Complaint. ...
  • Counterclaim.

What does "oye oye oye" mean in court?

Oyez (/oʊˈjɛz/, /oʊˈjeɪ/, /oʊˈjɛs/; more rarely with the word stress at the beginning) is a traditional interjection said two or three times in succession to introduce the opening of a court of law.

What's a good opening statement?

A good opening statement demonstrates your sincerity, knowledge of the facts, confidence and likeability all at the same time. “You don't want to over-promise or under-deliver in your opening statement,” Soto said, adding that there's no such thing as being over-prepared. 3) Tackle any unfavorable facts head-on.

How do I start off a court statement?

In general, your opening statement on the plaintiff's behalf should consist of:

  1. An introduction during which, by way of language, demeanor, and gestures, you try to establish credibility with the jurors;
  2. A narrative account stating the facts and containing an implied argument; and.
  3. A conclusion or summary.

How to start an argument as a lawyer?

Accordingly, be sure to amplify the most important aspect of the case at the start and try to articulate the theme of your argument in the first sentence or two." "Be able to steer the conversation by smoothly transitioning between questions and arguments.

How do you start a legal document?

Some other steps for preparing the writing legal document are:

  1. Define the document's purpose and target audience. ...
  2. Keep in mind the document's target audience. ...
  3. Choose an appropriate format and structure. ...
  4. Research relevant laws and requirements. ...
  5. Create a title and purpose statement.

What is the first stage of trial?

At trial, one of the first things a prosecutor and defense attorney must do is the selection of jurors for the case. Jurors are selected to listen to the facts of the case and to determine if the defendant committed the crime.

What are the 5 stages of crime?

In every crime, there is first intention to commit it, secondly, preparation to commit it, thirdly, attempt to commit it and fourthly the accomplishment. The stages can be explained as under: Intention – This is the first stage in commission of a crime.

What is stage 3 in court?

The purpose of a Stage 3 hearing is for a judge to decide on the quantum of damages. Whilst a judge can do this on the papers, it is more common for a barrister to be instructed for each party, in order to make submissions as to the value of the claim.

What is a good quote to start a speech?

10 Timeless quotes to motivate your speaking

  • “The only reason to give a speech is to change the world.”
  • “Talk to someone about themselves, and they'll listen for hours.”
  • “The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. ...
  • “Don't wait around for someone else to tell your story.

What is a powerful opening?

Your opening is your first chance to make a connection with your audience. A strong start will grab their attention and set the stage for your message. Here are some tips to create a compelling opening: Start with a Hook: Use a surprising fact, a powerful quote, or a thought-provoking question.

What is a good short welcome speech?

A short welcome speech should warmly greet everyone, briefly state the event's purpose, thank key people (like a chief guest), set a positive tone, and transition to the program, keeping it concise (1-2 minutes) and relevant to the audience, whether it's a casual gathering or formal conference.