How to do a CLOSING ARGUMENTS?

Objective: To provide a clear and persuasive summary of (1) the evidence you need to prove the case, and (2) the weaknesses of the other side's case.

Advice in Preparing - What should be included:

• Thank the adjudicator for their time and attention.
• Isolate the issues and describe briefly how your presentation resolved those issues.
• Review the witness testimony. Outline the strengths of your side's witnesses and also the weaknesses of the other side's witnesses. (Remember to adapt your final statement to reflect what the witnesses said rather than relying on just the anticipated weaknesses of the other side.)
• Closing arguments should not be composed entirely before the hearing since they should highlight the important developments for each side that occurred during the hearing. Relaxed and informal statements are likely to be more effective.
• Review the physical evidence. Outline the strengths of your evidence and also outline the anticipated weakness of the other side's evidence. (This section, too, must be adapted to at the hearing.)
• State the applicable statutes and case law which support your side.
• Remind the adjudicator of the required burden of proof.
• Argue your case by stating how the law applies to the facts as you have proven them.
• Do not forget to confidently request the remedy you desire.