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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 Pennsylvania, during a jury trial, after all evidence has been presented and the jury has received instructions from the judge (known as the jury charge), the parties have the opportunity to make their closing arguments. The party that bears the burden of proof, meaning the party responsible for proving the claims or defenses asserted, is typically granted the right to both open and close the argument phase. This is because they have the responsibility to establish their case to the satisfaction of the jury. When multiple parties are involved, each with their own claims or defenses, the court will decide the sequence in which they may present their arguments. This order is determined at the discretion of the court and is designed to ensure a fair and orderly process. The court's decision on the order of arguments takes into account the structure of the case and the interests of justice.

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Civil procedure

closing argument

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Pennsylvania State Code

Pennsylvania State Code

Civil procedure

closing argument

Articles