Opening Statement

Question: opening statement? I need an opening statement for my debate for the pros of animal testing. I have a lot of research, but I can't think of an opening statement for my debate wich is either tommorow or Friday.

Answer: I don't have access to your research, obviously, so I can't write your opening statement. But I can tell you what you want to achieve. 1. YOU WANT TO GRAB YOUR AUDIENCE BY THE EARS This means you want to start out with something bold and provocative. You want your audience to end up thinking "Wow, how can she support this statement?" This could be something like "God created man in His own image to have dominion over the other beasts of the earth. Thus, animal testing conducted to benefit mankind is not only acceptable, it is endorsed by God." (See, I got your attention, didn't I?) 2. SUPPORT YOUR OPENING STATEMENT. You want to make sure that everything you after your opening statement supports it. So, you wouldn't start off with the "God approved" remark and then proceed to talk about using animals to improve women's eye liner - they are unrelated. 3. SUPPORT YOUR POSITION WITH FACTS. Do as much research as you can on your positio, because the other debate team will try to poke holes in it. 4. USE EMPIRICAL RESEARCH Use as much empirical research as you can to support your opening statement. Empirical research is that which is provable by experiment or experience. Anyone can dispute and OPINION, but empirical research is more difficult the refute. So, for example, saying something like "Animal testing is an acceptable form of research because animals feel no pain" is an opinion. But, if you said something like, "Animal testing is an acceptable form of research because animals feel no pain. This has been proven by no fewer than 7 different studies conducted by the National Board of Science of London, England, who confirmed that the pain receptors in the brains of lower mammals do not respond to stimuli the same way the same way that human brains do" - that would be empirical. See the difference? (This is a good way to attack your opponent, as well - asking them to cite empirical research to support their position. You will be advised to research their position, too, to find holes in their argument.) In summation: Be bold, be provocative, and be able to support your statement with research. Good luck.

Question: Opening Statement????? I have to write an opening Statement, for a mock trial, for my law class, i really have no idea what to write so if someone could give me a few ideas, that would be great.. here is the situation. Witness for pros:Sheriff wittness for defen: billie sheriff sworn starement: On 11/1, at noon, I was ridin in my car down Main Street, and saw Billie sittin in a bench in front of the court room. His Daughter, Baby, was sitting on his lap. I saw Bill put his hand under the baby's skirt, she said "no daddy thats wrong" I put bill under arrest and read him his rights. Billie said he "was just showing some love for his baby" i told Billie that scums like him should be shot on the spot. Billie sworn statement: i dny know why i was arrested. i was sjust straghting Baby's panties. She can use the potty ok, but she alwys gets her panties tangled when she pulls them back up. She rlly mesed thm up tht day, because they were so tangled i could get them fixed rite away. Bby was figeting, as usul [contiued] usual, and telling me i was doing it wrong. but i finaly go the panties on staright. just then sheriff arrested me. i ddnt do anything wrong. <<<<<<this is not a real case, just a class for high school>>>>>>> need help please.... i need to write an opening statement and i need questions to ask billie for the cross examination.

Answer: it is not clear if what side you are on. I you are the police side talk about the respect and honnest of the police the fact that the jury will hear from a accomplished police officer who's duty is to protect. On the other, state that the police has a vested interest to get another conviction and advance his career.

Question: How should an opening statement in a murder trial start and give an example? I need to write a three minute opening statement for prosecutor or defense. How should it be worded and give an example (like write a little opening statement). Ten points guaranteed to best answer!!!

Answer: In a case of a police officer killing an innocent person. People of the court. What you see here today is pure sickness. Pure disgust and utmost disrespect for civilization. This hero blue boy decides after arresting an innocent person that he would murder him in cold blood.

Question: What is a good opening statement defending civil liberties for a debate? I am doing a debate project and i need an opening statement defending civil liberties. Please help asap We have researched our topic and have a pretty good understanding of it. we were just wondering what are some of the important must have points that should be found in the opening statement.

Answer: A good opening statement is one that captures the beliefs and the convictions of its author. I don't believe you have to look very far to find a good argument for civil liberties. Perhaps the real question is, " What is a good opening statement opposing civil liberties?". But, one thing is for sure, a "good" opening statement probably won't be the one you write. More likely than not it will come from someone that you will "borrow" it from. In short, do some research and do your own project.

Question: What are the things to include in a good opening statement for a court case? For my class, I have to play the role of a lawyer in a court case. I have to give the opening statement addressing the judge and the jury. I was wondering, what are the things to include in an opening statement that would capture the audience's attention. I have never been to a court and I don't' want to make it sound like any other opening statement. So if anyone could help me out, i would truly appreciate it !

Answer: NO problem. Well your opening statement should give a real brief over view of the character. Now the defense should call them the defendant but if you are doing prosecution always state them by name. Also, state what you are going to prove. Do not forget to state the facts

Question: How to write an opening statement for mock trial? I am writing the opening statement for a mock trial being held in my English class. I am the prosecution, and I'm trying to prove that an author is guilty of misrepresenting basic human nature, and saying that in his books he portrays that all humans are inherently evil when the basic laws of society are taken away. I don't know how to write an opening statement for this! Please help!

Answer: A quote is always a good way to open up. Make sure the quote is related to the topic...

Question: What is the format of an opening statement in a trial? We're doing a mock trial in AP Euro and it's my job to do the opening statement but I need some help writing it. What should I mention? Is it like an essay or is there no structure?

Answer: Its not an essay - you lay out the strengths of your case, and what case you are going to present. And why it shows your side is correct. Dont go to deep into facts. Just lay out your framework. It should be persuasive.

Question: If you had to write a one paragraph opening statement to the Constitutional Convention what would you choose? Say you were asked to write a one-paragraph opening statement to the Constitutional Convention of May 25th, 1787, and the statement could either be for or against the articles of confederation. What would you choose and which specific facts, and details would you include to support your position?

Answer: I would chose neither. My opening statement would include the weaknesses of the Articles and a call for open honest discussion on how to alter or replace thee Articles. I would ask delegates to think about the Nation as a whole, and not just their individual states.

Question: What is considered improper argument in an opening statement in a trial? I am doing an opening statement for my mock trial and I do not want to draw an objection. I was wondering if someone could give me an example of what is and what is not improper argument.

Answer: Opening and closing statements are basically where the attorney can blow smoke and talk much more openly to the jury than in any other portion of the trial. The big thing to avoid in an opening statement is attacking any specific witness or piece of evidence, especially since nothing has been presented yet. It is perfectly fine to make general statements, such as "The defense is going to tell you that this was an accident, but we will prove otherwise". However, it is not acceptable to say "Joe Smith is a liar and will tell you this is an accident" or "The defense is going to present a store receipt as Joe Smith's that we think is not his receipt", as the other side has not immediate recourse to refute those assertions, other than an objection. Keep it general while addressing what you intend to prove and how you believe the other party is in the wrong, and talk with certainty that your version of events is correct. Talk about how great your client is as a person/father/mother/etc.if you are the defense, or how you will show that the defendant was conclusively responsible for this awful crime if you are the prosecution (again without citing specific as to how that will be proven). Many judges will advise the attorneys of a set time limit for opening statements before the trial begins, otherwise the attorney will simply talk in circles in an attempt to sway the jury before any evidence is even presented. Many close cases have been decided by the attorney's ability to come across as the more believable person in opening and closing statements.

Question: What is an opening statement and how do I write one? My class is having a mock trial, and I must prepare an opening statement. What is an opening statement exactly, and even more importantly, how do I write one? Thank you so much for any answers! If you also happen to know, what is and how do you write a closing statement?

Answer: opening statement is the thing you start on like an into paragraph, and you'd write one pretty much the same way a closing statement is like a concluding paragraph

Question: What to include in an opening statement in a mock trial against Napoleon Bonaparte on the prosecution side? I am writing the opening statement for a mock trial against Napoleon Bonaparte. I am on the prosecution side, and I have been out of school all week, so i need detailed help on how to bash Napoleon Bonaparte!

Answer: Here is some great info that should help you to successfully try Napoleon Bonaparte. http://www.nationscrier.com/index.php?op…

Question: How long should an opening statement be for a high school mock trial? My team is writing the opening statement for a 2nd degree murder case and I'm trying to determine how long it needs to be because I am delivering it to the "jury" on Friday. We are given a time frame of 5 minutes but I don't think I can fill up that time and I just need tips to make my shorter statement effective.

Answer: Mock trial for high school? Anyway, here are some tips on opening statement: 1. It does not depend on length but impact. 2. Initially capture your audience emotion. 3. Start like this: Imagine you are X, having a jobless wife...3 kids...and mortgage to pay. Then, all of a sudden Y, the accused murders X? Don't you think X and family deserves justice? Justice is what we are after here! We are going to prove to you that Y committed the murder.. Then highlight your key points.

Question: What is a good opening statement if you want to eliminate welfare? What is a good opening statement if you want to eliminate welfare?

Answer: "Keep working...MILLIONS on welfare are depending on YOU!!!"

Question: What is a good opening statement in a debate on being for burning the flag? I've been trying to write an opening statement for our case on being for the burning of the American flag.

Answer: The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that "Congress shall make no law ... abriding the freedom of speech, or of the press." The U.S. Supreme Court has clearly ruled that Free Speech is one of the most prized and important rights. Burning the U.S. Flag as a symbol of protest or to petition the U.S. government for redress, is no different than peacefully marching to the U.S. Capitol to demand civil rights, writing a letter to the editor to voice your opinion about the President, or any other protected speech activity. Although some may disagree with how you choose to express your free speech, that does not give anyone the authority or right to regulate that protected speech. Just as the City of Skokie, Illinois, a predominantly Jewish community, had to allow a group of Nazis the opportunity to participate in a community parade and thus respect all forms of speech in the case of National Socialist Party v. Skokie, so must one be allowed to burn "old glory" in protest and as a symbol of one's speech. If any such regulation of protected free speech is to be undertaken, it will only be permissible if strict procedural protections are in place, and if strict scrutiny as to the compelling state interest in regulation is clearly proven.

Question: How to make an opening statement in debate, which is on against gun control? Who can help me? I'm preparing an opening statement of debate, but I don't know very much about the format in English. Who can help me?

Answer: I didn't know either when I had my debate. (okaayyy..) But what you have to do is to present your proposition first. Or what you'll be discussing in your speech. As for me, I first gave my greetings to the audience then went to the first thing I had in mind which was the rebuttal speech. Rebutting the previous speaker helps start your speech then afterwards, as I've already said, go on to discuss your proposition or your current stand on the issue. It helps to discuss with your teammates, or if you're flying solo, it helps to have some references regarding gun control. Or some situations that have happened regarding that.

Question: How do I make an opening statement about a debate on gangs? Tomorrow I have a debate at school on gangs and my argument is that gangs are good and that the word gang being bad is a stereotypical state. How do I make an opening statement oh this.

Answer: bring them in with a question or an interesting statement

Question: What is an example of an opening statement in a court room? For World History II we have to do a mock trial against Ivan the Terrible, and we need an opening statement. The crime is: hurting his country through human rights violations and economic and foreign policies. My side his against him and think he's guilty. What is a good opening statement?

Answer: I'm not sure how closely they'll want to follow actual courtroom procedure, but an opening statement in an actual trial is a roadmap of what you expect to prove. You are not allowed to make arguments in opening statement. That is, you cannot say things like, "Ivan the Terrible was a heartless dictator who caused tremendous damage." However, you can say, "the evidence will show that Ivan the Terrible consistently violated human rights by (whatever facts you intend to prove). The opening statement is your chance to show the judge and/or jury a preview of your case, and what you expect to prove.

Question: What is a good opening statement for a legalization of marijuana debate? I'm on the against side, I don't know what to include and what no to include in my opening statement/sentence. Any ideas? Thanks!

Answer: You got your work cut out for you http://www.abovetheignorance.org/faq.htm… :P

Question: What must be included in an opening statement for a trial? I have to write an opening statement for a mock trial. I was wondering what I have to include in it. What are the general requirements for all opening statements? I'm a defense attorney...

Answer: 1. Opening short statement of case theme. ("This is a case about ____________ (greed, revenge, fairness, etc.))." 2. Introduction of your client. 3. Simple statement of the dispute. ("This is a discrimination case where Plaintiff says that Defendant fired her because of her gender.") 4. Preview of who will testify and what the evidence will show. 5. Conclusion where you restate your case theme & tell the jury what you want them to find at the end of the trial.

Question: How to write an opening statement for the Aaron Burr Trial as a defending lawyer of Burr? The opening statement must be 4 minutes in speaking length and I don't know how to write an opening statement

Answer: Aaron Burr is one of my favorite characters out of US history. Gore Vidal wrote a wonderful book about him which focuses on his personal motivations and paints a colorful picture of the man. Look it up.