A Good Closing Argument Requires a Theme that Grabs the Jury by the Gut

When trying a criminal case, having a theory of what happened and a theme that clearly and concisely encapsulates that theory is important. Depending upon how things play out in the trial, that same theory and theme should run through closings.

In the Derek Chain murder trial, the Defense has been arguing from the beginning that George Floyd because of a combination of his health condition, he drugs he ingested at the scene and his behavior during the struggle. It is expected that they will try to hammer this point home during their closing.

A theme is a hook that an attorney can use to grab the jury viscerally to move them in your direction.

Jack appears on WCCO today to discuss this and also the prosecution approach to closings. Jack is the founder of Jack Rice Defense, a criminal defense law firm in Minnesota. He is a former prosecutor, a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and a criminal defense attorney. If you are facing criminal charges, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free consultation.