<P> Generally , the prosecution in a criminal case and plaintiff in a civil case is the first to offer an opening statement , and defendants go second . Defendants are also allowed the option of delaying their opening statement until after the close of the prosecution or plaintiff 's case . Few take this option , however , so as not to allow the other party 's argument to stand uncontradicted for so long . </P>
<P> Generally , the prosecution in a criminal case and plaintiff in a civil case is the first to offer an opening statement , and defendants go second . Defendants are also allowed the option of delaying their opening statement until after the close of the prosecution or plaintiff 's case . Few take this option , however , so as not to allow the other party 's argument to stand uncontradicted for so long . </P>
who makes the first opening statement in a jury trial
who makes the first opening statement in a jury trial
the prosecution in a criminal case plaintiff in a civil case
the prosecution in a criminal case plaintiff in a civil case