Arguments

After both sides have presented all their evidence, each attorney delivers a closing argument, summarizing his/her side's case and the reasons why the jury should decide in their favor. If the testimony of witnesses is in conflict, each attorney tries to show why the jury should believe his or her side's witnesses in preference to those of the other side.

Listen to these arguments very carefully, but remember that closing arguments are not themselves evidenced; the lawyers were not present and do not know the facts firsthand. These arguments are simply each party's summary of the case. As a juror you should not make up your mind about the outcome until you have heard all the evidence and considered it in light of the judge's instructions to the jury.