opening speeches

opening speeches

in English criminal practice, the speech made by the prosecution indicating what it is it is trying to establish against the defendant. The defence may do so too if it has witnesses in addition to the defendant. In Scotland, the practice is not followed and is often criticized. It has the benefit that the jury and judge get some idea of what the case is about and puts the evidence that is to be heard into context. On the other hand, a jury might become predisposed against the defendant from the start. Having heard so much detail from the Crown, the jury might confuse allegation with proof of fact.