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Civil procedure

closing argument

In a jury trial, after the parties introduce all of their evidence and the jury charge (instructions) is read to the jury, the parties may argue the case to the jury. The party with the burden of proof on the whole case—or on all matters that are submitted by the jury charge—will generally be allowed to open and conclude the argument. And where there are several parties with separate claims or defenses, the court will determine the order in which they are allowed to argue the case to the jury.

In Minnesota, during a jury trial, after all evidence has been presented and the jury instructions (charge) have been read, the parties are given the opportunity to present their closing arguments. The party that carries the burden of proof, whether it's the plaintiff in a civil case or the prosecution in a criminal case, typically has the right to both open and conclude the argument. This is because they have the responsibility to prove their case to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal trials or by a preponderance of the evidence in civil trials. When multiple parties are involved, each with their own claims or defenses, the court will use its discretion to determine the sequence in which the parties may present their arguments. This order is decided to ensure a fair and orderly process, taking into consideration the nature of the claims, the burden of proof, and the structure of the trial.

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Civil procedure

closing argument

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Minnesota State Code

Minnesota State Code

Civil procedure

closing argument

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