Closing Argument Clause Samples

Closing Argument. After the closing of evidence the prosecution shall open the argument. The defense shall be permitted to reply. The prosecution shall then be permitted to reply in rebuttal. (Added Apr. 22, 1974, eff. Dec. 1, 1975.) This rule is designed to control the order of closing argument. It reflects the Advisory Committee’s view that it is desirable to have a uniform federal practice. The rule is drafted in the view that fair and effective administration of justice is best served if the defendant knows the arguments actually made by the prosecution in behalf of conviction before the defendant is faced with the decision whether to reply and what to reply.

Closing Argument. After the closing of evidence the prosecution shall open the argument. The defense shall be permitted to reply. The prosecution shall then be permitted to reply in rebuttal. (Added Apr. 22, 1974, eff. Dec. 1, 1975.) NOTES OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON RULES—1974 This rule is designed to control the order of closing argument. It reflects the Advisory Committee’s view that it is desirable to have a uniform federal practice. The rule is drafted in the view that fair and effective administration of justice is best served if the defendant knows the arguments actually made by the prosecution in behalf of conviction before the defendant is faced with the decision whether to reply and what to reply. NOTES OF COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, HOUSE REPORT NO. 94–247; 1975 AMENDMENT A. Amendments Proposed by the Supreme Court, Rule 29.1 is a new rule that was added to regulate clos- ing arguments. It prescribes that the government shall make its closing argument and then the defendant shall make his. After the defendant has argued, the government is entitled to reply in rebuttal.