Opening and Closing Addresses – Key Points to Remember
In Alison Braks v Dundeal Canada (GP) Inc., 2022 ONSC 4015, Justice Ramsay sets out key points for counsel to remember when delivering their opening and closing addresses to a jury. These tips include:
OPENING
- An opening should provide a general notion of what will be given in evidence. It should not mention matters that will not become evidence before the jury. A witness’s credibility should not be dealt with in an opening.
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Counsel may not suggest a matter which counsel knows is not proven even if supporting evidence is adduced.
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Counsel may not give evidence.
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Counsel may not