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Civil procedure

opening statement

An attorney’s opening statement to the jury (or judge in a bench trial) is not evidence, and is intended to be a forceful and persuasive summary of the case.

In Wyoming, as in other jurisdictions, an attorney's opening statement to the jury, or to the judge in a bench trial, is not considered evidence. It is intended to provide a roadmap of what the attorney believes the evidence will show during the trial. The purpose of the opening statement is to give the jury or judge a general idea of the facts of the case and the legal claims being made, as well as to outline the case that the attorney intends to present. The opening statement is an opportunity for the attorney to be forceful and persuasive, setting the tone for the evidence that will follow. However, it is important for jurors and judges to understand that the statements made during this time are not themselves evidence and should not be treated as such when deliberating and deciding on a verdict.

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Understanding the Opening Statement in Civil Litigation: A State-by-State Perspective

Master the opening statement in civil litigation! Learn its role and state-specific rules to effectively present your case and understand legal nuances.

Civil procedure

opening statement

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Wyoming State Code

Wyoming State Code

Civil procedure

opening statement

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