What do you say at the beginning of court?

Asked by: Gilbert Grant  |  Last update: September 21, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (75 votes)

A typical introduction: “Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is (full name), representing the prosecution/defendant in this case.

What do they say at the beginning of a court case?

Judge (first name) presiding. Please be seated. Judge: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the People of the State of California versus (defendant's first name).

What to say in an opening statement in court?

Your opening should focus on story-telling - acquainting the jury with the basic facts of the case and what they're going to hear in court today. Actual arguments (like refusing opposing counsel's case) are more for closing arguments, so make sure your statement doesn't sound too argumentative.

What phrases do they say in court?

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 the opening speech of the courtroom?

An opening statement describes the parties, outlines the nature of the issue in dispute , presents a concise overview of the facts and evidence so that the jury can better understand the overall case, frames the evidence in a way that is favorable to the counsel's theory of the case, and outlines what the counsel ...

Mock Trial Step-by-Step: Opening Proceedings

18 related questions found

What is an open statement?

Opening Statement

This is each party's opportunity to set the basic scene for the jurors, introduce them to the core dispute(s) in the case, and provide a general road map of how the trial is expected to unfold.

How to start a speech in court?

In the opening statement, a lawyer should provide the jury with a theme that will serve as a framework for every piece of evidence the jury hears during the case. The theme should communicate how the evidence will fit together, and why your client's position in the case is the right one.

What are common words used in court?

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.

How do you say hello in court?

Stand and greet the court, then state your name and who you are representing. For example: “Good morning, your honor.

What are some justice quotes in court?

Top 7 Best Justice Quotes:

Just concentrate on being faithful to the truth." "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." "Since when do you have to agree with people to defend them from injustice?" "If it were not for injustice, man would not know justice."

What is the best opening statement?

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Opening Statement
  • Structure Your Statement. ...
  • Be Clear and Concise. ...
  • Tell a Story. ...
  • Establish Credibility. ...
  • Practice. ...
  • Avoid Overpromising. ...
  • Anticipate Counterarguments. ...
  • Adapt to the Case Dynamics. Every case is unique, and so should be your opening statement.

How do you start a court statement?

Starting Your Statement

Begin by identifying yourself, the case, and your relationship to it. State your full name, address, and any other identification details required by the court at the start. If you are a witness, specify this; if you are directly involved in the case, clarify your role clearly.

What is the opening and closing statement in court?

A good opening statement sets the stage for a winning case and is the first chance you have to make a good impression with the jury. A strong closing argument is your last chance to leave the jury with a powerful impression of your case.

What do you say to start court?

Bailiff: Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will truly listen to this case and render a true verdict and a fair sentence as to this defendant? (Jury should answer “I do”). You may be seated.

What is an example of an opening statement in court?

Good morning, my name is John Smith, and I am the prosecutor in this case. It is my pleasure to represent the people of this state. On October 3rd, 2009, the defendant in this case [describe what he or she did in detail]. At the conclusion of the case we will ask for a verdict of guilty.

How does a court start?

The trial begins with the opening statement of the party with the burden of proof. This is the party that brought the case to court--the government in a criminal prosecution or the plaintiff in a civil case--and has to prove its case in order to prevail. The defense lawyer follows with his or her opening statement.

How to speak in front of a judge?

Speaking up in court
  1. Stay on point. When speaking to the judge, try to keep your side of the story short and on point. ...
  2. Be polite and calm. Stand when you speak to the judge and call them “Your Honor.” Speak clearly and loud enough for the judge and the other side to hear you. ...
  3. Wait your turn. ...
  4. Be honest. ...
  5. Take a deep breath.

What do judges want to hear?

At the end of the day, a judge wants to hear three things: accountability, responsibility, and remorse. They also want to hear your reasoning. Why did you commit the crime in the first place?

How do I say I don't remember in court?

If you do not remember, say you don't remember – not that you do not know. Do not guess if you are not sure, unless you are instructed to give an estimate. If you make mistakes in answering, correct yourself as soon as you realize your mistake.

What is the word for starting a court case?

Petitioner: Another word for plaintiff, the person starting the lawsuit. Plaintiff: The person who sues or starts a civil case, also called the petitioner or the complainant. Plea: An accused persons answer to a criminal charge.

What not to say in court?

Don't mumble; speak loudly enough to be heard by everyone in the room. Don't lie about anything, not even white [small] lies. If you are discovered to be lying, the judge may find it hard to believe you when you are telling the truth.

Who has the last word in a court case?

Most appeals are final. The court of appeals decision usually will be the final word in the case, unless it sends the case back to the trial court for additional proceedings, or the parties ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.

How do you say hello to a judge?

In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.”

How to do an opening speech?

A good introduction needs to get the audience's attention, state the topic, make the topic relatable, establish credibility, and preview the main points. Introductions should be the last part of the speech written, as they set expectations and need to match the content.

What do judges look for in a speech?

A good speech will be:

Focused (has a purpose) Structured (clear beginning, middle, and end) Engaging (gets audience attention and drives them to a purpose) Supported with relevant examples, facts, etc.