What is the role of the plaintiff during closing arguments?

The role of the plaintiff during closing arguments is primarily to present a summary of the evidence and arguments that support their case, effectively persuading the jury or judge to rule in their favor. Following this presentation, the defendant has the opportunity to respond, often leading to a rebuttal. This structure is designed to ensure that both parties have a chance to address the evidence and arguments presented during the trial.

This process allows for a clear, structured conclusion to the case, where the plaintiff can reiterate key points while making final appeals to the emotions and logic of the jury. Thus, the plaintiff summarizes their case first, followed by the defendant's response, which may briefly address the points raised by the plaintiff. This sequence is critical in maintaining the integrity of the trial process and ensuring each side has a fair opportunity to present their positions.

In contrast, introducing new evidence during closing arguments is not permitted, as it undermines the fairness of the trial by not allowing the opposing party the chance to contest this new information. Summarizing the case without any concluding remarks would miss the essential component of advocacy that closing arguments are meant to embody. Dismissing the case is entirely contrary to the purpose of closing arguments, as it does not align with the role of persu