Dictionary of Law
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closing argument :: legal definition


Closing argument - n. the final argument by an attorney on behalf of his/her client after all evidence has been produced for both sides. The lawyer for the plaintiff or prosecution (in a criminal case) makes the first closing argument, followed by counsel for the defendant, and then the plaintiff's attorney can respond to the defense argument. Unlike the "opening statement," which is limited to what is going to be proved, the "closing argument" may include opinions on the law, comment on the opposing party's evidence, and usually requests a judgment or verdict (jury's decision) favorable to the client.

See also: opening statement trial and Related Law Terms ↓


Related Law Terms

burden of proof :: n. the requirement that the plaintiff (the party b ... ence prima facie weight of evidence
cross-complaint :: n. after a complaint has been filed against a defe ... g prayer service of process summons
defense attorney :: n. 1) the attorney representing the defendant in a ... lso: defendant plaintiff's attorney
dismiss :: v. the ruling by a judge that all or a portion (on ... nst that party. See also: dismissal
evidence :: n. every type of proof legally presented at trial ... material object objection relevant
Grand Jury :: n. a jury in each county or federal court district ... arge indictment preliminary hearing
insufficient evidence :: n. a finding (decision) by a trial judge or an app ... l court. See also: evidence finding
motion for dismissal :: (non-suit) n. application by a defendant in a laws ... otion for nonsuit. See also: motion
non-suit :: n. a ruling by the judge in a lawsuit either when ... the defendant. See also: dismissal
opening statement :: n. the explanation by the attorneys for both sides ... rgument. See also: closing argument
plaintiff's attorney :: n. the attorney who represents a plaintiff (the su ... ee also: defense attorney plaintiff
proof :: n. confirmation of a fact by evidence. In a trial, ... doubt preponderance of the evidence
speaking demurrer :: n. an attempt to introduce evidence during a heari ... the operation." See also: demurrer
summation :: n. the final argument of an attorney at the close ... 's case. See also: closing argument
testify :: v. to give oral evidence under oath in answer to q ... deposition evidence testimony trial
trial :: n. the examination of facts and law presided over ... at a hearing held at a later time.
undue influence :: n. the amount of pressure which one uses to force ... ounder. See also: will will contest

Popular Law Searches

legal definition ministerial act :: n. an act, particularly of a governmental employee ... exercising any individual judgment.
chancery legal definition :: n. a court that can order acts performed. Today ch ... ts in most states. See also: equity
testamentary disposition legal definition :: n. how the terms of a will divide the testator's ( ... named beneficiaries. See also: will
contract of sufferance :: n. a "hold-over" tenancy after a lease has expired ... y tenancy at will unlawful detainer
forthwith legal definition :: adv. a term found in contracts, court orders and s ... mediacy, with no excuses for delay.
forthwith definition legal :: adv. a term found in contracts, court orders and s ... mediacy, with no excuses for delay.
what is to wit in a legal contract :: prep. that is to say. Example: "the passengers in ... tty Bumgartner and Sherry Younger."
mirror wills legal definition :: n. the wills of a husband and wife which are ident ... d each names the other as executor.
clean hands doctrine latin :: n. a rule of law that a person coming to court wit ... ices. See also: affirmative defense
sine qua non only relates to contract law :: (see-nay kwah nahn) prep. Latin for "without which ... qua non of the injury to Playmate.

Other Law Terms - C

C.I.F. :: n. the total of cost, insurance and freight charge ... aid on goods purchased and shipped.
calendar :: 1) n. the list of cases to be called for trial bef ... clerk of the court calendars cases.
calendar call :: n. the hearing at which a case is set for trial. ... g at which a case is set for trial.
call :: n. the demand by a corporation that a stockholder ... assessment on shares already owned.
calumny :: n. the intentional and generally vicious false acc ... 's reputation. See also: defamation
cancel :: v. to cross out, annul, destroy, void and/or resci ... g, so that it cannot be used again.
cancellation :: cancel ... cancel
caning :: n. a punishment for crimes employed in certain Asi ... last century in the United States.
canon law :: n. laws and regulations over ecclesiastical (churc ... nduct with no religious connection.
cap :: n. slang for maximum, as the most interest that ca ... "adjustable rate" promissory note.
capital :: 1) n. from Latin for caput, meaning "head," the ba ... count capital assets stock in trade
capital account :: n. the record which lists all basic assets of a bu ... or the alleged value of good will.
capital assets :: n. equipment, property, and funds owned by a busin ... . See also: capital capital account
capital expenditure :: n. payment by a business for basic assets such as ... y intended to improve productivity.
capital gains :: n. the difference between the sales price and the ... so: basis delayed exchange exchange
capital investment :: capital expenditure ... capital expenditure
capital offense :: n. any criminal charge which is punishable by the ... . See also: bail capital punishment
capital punishment :: n. execution (death) for a capital offense. The U. ... or death. See also: capital offense
capital stock :: n. the original amount paid by investors into a co ... price. See also: corporation stock
capitalization :: n. 1) the act of counting anticipated earnings and ... for conversion into capital assets.