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Civil procedure

closing argument

In a jury trial, after the parties introduce all of their evidence and the jury charge (instructions) is read to the jury, the parties may argue the case to the jury. The party with the burden of proof on the whole case—or on all matters that are submitted by the jury charge—will generally be allowed to open and conclude the argument. And where there are several parties with separate claims or defenses, the court will determine the order in which they are allowed to argue the case to the jury.

In Florida, during a jury trial, after all evidence has been presented and the jury instructions (charge) have been read, the parties are given the opportunity to make their closing arguments. The party that bears the burden of proof, meaning the party that must prove the allegations or defenses asserted, is typically granted the right to both open and conclude the argument. This is often the plaintiff in a civil case or the prosecution in a criminal case. When multiple parties are involved, each with their own claims or defenses, the court will decide the sequence in which they may present their arguments to the jury. This order is determined to ensure a fair and orderly process, taking into consideration the structure of the case and the relationships between the parties' claims or defenses.

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Civil procedure

closing argument

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Florida State Code

Civil procedure

closing argument

Florida State Code

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