What is an opening statement?

• A. A record of all exhibits with custody details.
• B. A preliminary statement outlining the case and what they expect to prove.
• C. A final summary of evidence to urge a verdict.
• D. A court order scheduling deadlines.

Answer: (B)

An opening statement is the attorney’s initial summary to the judge or jury, laying out the theory of the case and what the attorney plans to prove. It provides a roadmap of the facts the party expects to establish and the evidence that will be introduced to support those facts, without presenting actual evidence. It’s not about arguing guilt or presenting proof itself; it sets the narrative for the trial to come. The option that describes a preliminary statement outlining the case and what they expect to prove is the best fit. The other options refer to handling exhibits and custody, a closing argument that summarizes evidence to urge a verdict, and a court order scheduling deadlines, none of which describe the opening phase of presenting a case.