Opening Statement
Opening Statement
Your job: Prepare a written opening statement that clearly communicates what you plan to prove at trial. In your preparation, present your case on behalf of the Respondent, Joseph Johnson versus the Department of Nursing which is pursuing suspension of Mr. Johnsons nursing license. Your opening statement should track closely the theme of your argument identifying your primary thesis. The opening statement is not designed to be argumentative, it is an informational statement presenting the facts you expect to establish at trial in a favorable light to your case. (You will have an opportunity to argue your case but that comes in the closing argument not the opening statement.) In your opening you are explaining what your case is about how the facts support your position. You should focus on facts that are not reasonably in dispute and avoid making representations you cannot support at trial. Your personal views and opinions of the case are not appropriate and should be avoided at all cost. You may discuss the applicable law and how it favors your clients position. Its also appropriate to discuss the law and burden of proof in the case. (I have attached the ABA guide on effective opening statements which will help you to complete this task.)
Length: Your opening statement should be 4-6 pages in length. The 6 page maximum will be enforced.
Format: The opening statement should be in Times New Roman 12 point font, double-spaced, 1 inch margins with page numbers at the bottom center of each page.
