Which statement about Opening Statements is NOT accurate?

Which statement about Opening Statements is NOT accurate?

• A. The first time the jury hears about your case.
• B. It provides a road map of what they will see and hear.
• C. It is a promise to the jury and then deliver.
• D. It is used to present evidence to the jury.

Answer: (D)

Opening statements introduce the case to the jury and come before any evidence is presented. Their purpose is to give jurors a clear overview of the facts each side expects to prove and the legal theory behind the case, effectively a road map of what they will see and hear. They are not evidence themselves; the actual proof comes from witnesses, exhibits, and testimony during the trial. Therefore, the statement that opening statements are used to present evidence to the jury is not accurate.

Opening statements introduce the case to the jury and come before any evidence is presented. Their purpose is to give jurors a clear overview of the facts each side expects to prove and the legal theory behind the case, effectively a road map of what they will see and hear. They are not evidence themselves; the actual proof comes from witnesses, exhibits, and testimony during the trial. Therefore, the statement that opening statements are used to present evidence to the jury is not accurate.