In the hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump, opening statements on April 22, 2024, were of paramount importance. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accused Trump of falsifying business records to influence voters before the 2016 presidential election. Trump pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo presented a theory of the case in his opening argument, alleging Trump’s involvement in a conspiracy to conceal negative information. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche maintained Trump’s innocence, stating he was unaware of the hush-money payments and that Michael Cohen acted alone as a ‘criminal’ motivated by revenge.
Research suggests that jurors often form opinions about a case based on opening statements, with a significant percentage maintaining those positions throughout the trial. Trial lawyers leverage this ‘primacy and recency’ effect by starting their opening statements with impactful theories and themes.
During their opening statements, both Colangelo and Blanche clearly presented their theories of the case. Colangelo characterized the case as a ‘criminal conspiracy and fraud,’ while Blanche emphasized the legality of influencing elections in a democracy.
Opening statements play a crucial role in establishing the framework for the trial and setting the tone for upcoming testimony. They influence how jurors process all subsequent evidence, highlighting the critical importance of this stage in shaping the outcome of the trial.
