Closing Argument

1. Closing Argument Professor Beverly Reid O’Connell Advanced Trial Advocacy

2. “In Law, what plea so tainted and corrupt but being seasoned with a gracious voice, obscures the show of evil?” William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act III, Scene 2.

3. The Law of Closing Argument • Don’t insert personal beliefs • Don’t vouch • Don’t appeal to prejudice • Don’t misstate the evidence • Don’t misstate the law • Don’t misuse evidence • Don’t appeal to juror’s sympathy, personal interest

4. The Law of Closing Argument • Don’t oversell your case • Don’t comment on evidence outside the record • Don’t make personal attacks on counsel • Don’t comment on privilege • Don’t “send a message”

5. Summary of what the evidence will show Road map No inferences No law Inferences Conclusions Analogies Discuss the law Discuss credibility and motive ARGUE! Opening Statement vs. Closing Argument

6. The Art of Closing Argument • Talk about the evidence • Talk about the elements if you bear the burden of proof • Weave your legal theory with your theme • Must be logical • Must appeal to common sense • Must show why you win • Must explain ALL of the facts

7. Make it Memorable

8. The Art of Closing Argument • Be organized: present a comprehensive view of the case • Start strong and end strong • Use active language • Use rhetorical questions • Repeat theme • Narrow the issues • Explain the law • Embrace your weaknesses and bolster with corroboration • Attack major defenses • Throw down gauntlet?? (maybe not)

9. The Art of Rebuttal Argument • Don’t adopt defense organization • Don’t respond in kind to personal attacks • Return to your themes • Go back to the evidence • Use the jury instructions • Beyond a reasonable doubt • Circumstantial evidence • Talk about credibility • Emphasize corroboration • Be brief

10. Project Honesty Show passion or belief in your case Be articulate Be energetic Be respectful Remain poised Eye contact Modulate your voice Use visuals Don’t appear cocky, arrogant or smug Don’t appear overzealous Don’t appear too lighthearted Don’t throw temper tantrum Don’t demean the defendant or counsel Don’t “fill dead air” The Art of Closing Argument: DeliveryHow you say it is just as important as what you say

11. End Strong

12. Closing Argument: Example United States v. Richard Wayne Parker

13. Closing Argument • Indictment • Conspiracy • Possession with intent to distribute • Types of evidence • Direct • Circumstantial • Evidence Presented

14. Types of Evidence • Direct • Witness Testimony • Exhibits • Stipulations • Circumstantial • Direct Evidence • Common Sense • Each Given Equal Weight

15. Indictment • Conspiracy • Agreement • Parker a member • Possession with intent to distribute • Parker knowingly possessed cocaine • Intent to deliver

16. Indictment -- Conspiracy Agreement • Testimony • Pitto • Hensel • Koshi • Evidence seized

17. Monica “Lily” PITTO Christine WHITNEY Gary HENSEL Pam GRAY Tom MARSH Jeff BREAMER Galen KOSHI Galen KOSHI Randy UYEHARA Randy UYEHARA Richard PARKER RichardPARKER Monica “Lily” PITTO Christine WHITNEY Gary HENSEL Pam GRAY Tom MARSH Jeff BREAMER

18. Indictment -- Conspiracy Parker a Member • Drug Ledgers • Cash • Meets Pitto • Cocaine in Bags

19. Parker’s Drug Ledger (Sept `97)

20. Parker’s Drug Ledger (June `98)

22. Whitney’s Drug Ledger (June `98)

23. Exhibit 139

24. Agreement • Testimony • Pitto • Parker asked her to sell cocaine • Parker delivered cocaine in gym bags • Parker delivered 14 kilos to her • She delivered $47,000 to Parker • Hensel • Koshi • Evidence seized

25. $135,814 total $1,000 $47,000 $18,980 $999 $44 Black Safe $520 $39,600 $1,080 $1,821 Sundog $15 $18,980 $620 $17,000 $7,090 $45

26. Elements of possession with intent to distribute • Parker knowingly possessed cocaine • Intent to deliver

27. Exhibit 127

29. Exhibit 40 Exhibit 37 Exhibit 38 Exhibit 39

30. Anaheim 64 Anaheim 67 Anaheim 68 Hensel 58 Hensel 57

31. Anaheim 71 Anaheim 72 Hensel59 Anaheim 74 Anaheim 75

32. OFFICE ALARM KEYPAD