Quick question about opening statements

Re: Quick question about opening statements

Depends on what you mean by "stating the law." The jury's job is to determine the facts, so that's what the attorney should be focusing on when delivering an opening statement. Of course, some mention of the law is impossible to avoid -- it would be difficult, for instance, in a breach of contract case for the plaintiff's attorney not to mention the allegation that the defendant breached the contract. But it's the judge's task to instruct the jury as to the law, and it would be objectionable for an attorney to do so in an opening statement.

Thank you, Joe!