Rule 13 Arguments

When a case goes to trial, both sides get to make opening statements before any evidence is shown. These statements are not arguments. They are just a chance for each side to explain to the jury what they expect the evidence to show.

After all the evidence has been presented, each side gets to make closing arguments. The plaintiff (the person who filed the case) goes first and can also speak last. The defendant speaks in between. The judge decides how much time each side gets for these arguments, and both sides have to stick to that time limit.